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Convention Notes: Busy Mom

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Another one of my favorite classes from the homeschool convention was entitled "Busy Mom."  I figured I really needed to go to this one because everyday I'm trying to homeschool four of my five children, trying to keep the house clean, trying to cook meals all day, trying to serve in the church, and trying to get my children to all of their activities.  (Notice my key word?  Yeah, not everything gets as completed as I would like on most days.)

BUSY MOM

*You can't manage your time, you can only manage  yourself.*

  1. Seek the Lord's guidance in the important things
    • Stop comparing
    • Ask for directions
  2. Assess the Situation
    • If racing, stop wasting time
  3. Stop wasting time
    • Modern-day time bandits:
      • Internet
      • Email
      • TV
      • Phone Calls
      • Worrying
  4. Develop a Plan of Action
    1. Decide to eliminate and/or reduce time bandits
    2. Write down weak areas
    3. Write down GOALS, for me & the children (do this with them)
    4. Make a to-do list
      • Write what comes to mind first
      • Prioritize it
      • Realize it's not all going to get done
  5. Check priorities (Wrong priorities result in clutter)
    1. God
    2. Marriage (physical touch & communication)
    3. Family/Home
    4. Homeschool
    5. Outside Pursuits
  6. Clear the Clutter
    • Emotional
      • Cluttered emotions create: strained relationships, no forgiveness, hurt, anger
    • Physical
      • Clutter creates: false security, stress, disorder, anxiety
      • When something comes in, something goes out
  7. Use One Calendar
    • Create two days of unscheduled time (white space)
    • Talk to spouse and children
    • Combine activities (such as going to the store and the library)
    • Leave at least two days in a row unscheduled
  8. Consider using a Routine
    • Ask: What is my best time for tasks?
    • Make a master schedule for the school day
    • Multiple ages:
      • Time for specific subjects so you are done when needed
    • Use timers & alarm clocks
    • Combine subjects into unit studies (such as history and writing/literature)
    • Sample Schedule - Using approximate times is more realistic
  9. Be Intentional
    • Live life on purpose
    • Seek counsel
    • Stay focused (no discouragement/distractions)
      • Stop whatever is sidetracking
    • Remember the goal of education is discipleship
  10. Remember the reason:
    • What do I want my children to remember of the homeschool years?
    • Ask:
      • Did I admit when I was wrong?
      • Was I excited to see my child's progress?
      • Did I praise my children?
      • Did I let them pursue their dreams?
      • Did I teach them to prioritize their time by example?
      • Did I show by example how to love the Lord?
What are my top 5 time bandits???



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Aubrey A said…
Oooh, time bandits! I've been thinking a lot about this lately. The internet is definitely one of my top time bandits! Gotta get that under control.
November 01, 2012
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