It Takes a Village to Homeschool

 This morning, I took my daughter to a co-op art class that we do with friends every Friday. Before leaving the house, I had been trying to find something that I needed-because I was so sure that I had left it in such and such a place-that we got to art class kind of late. 

I was a stress mess as I set down my stuff and sent my daughter out to catch the lesson (the weather was so nice today, that the art class was held outside), and suddenly, I found myself in deep conversation with several ladies whose children are going through the same sorts of struggles as my kids. 

So of course, we all shared stories of how such and such things were working for our children, and what tips, tricks and other things we were doing, to survive parenthood. 

There was a moment in that conversation, where I just sat back and took it all in. I became super present in the moment, and watched as these amazing women-fellow friends, fellow moms-were lovingly and wisely sharing counsel with one another; with the pure intent of trying to help. 

It's so easy to get into some sort of weird homeschool routine, where we can be in the house all day, every day, working on school, working on chores, etc. But, there are moments like today, where I left feeling uplifted. I left feeling inspired. 

I left feeling like I can do what I do for another week. 

I know I entitled this entry as "It Takes a Village to Homeschool", but it really takes a village to do anything in life. We need each other. And we aren't meant to do any of this alone. 

As I was talking to these lovely ladies and fellow moms earlier today, I was reminded of some pretty special women, that have encouraged and inspired me to keep going, and keep an eternal perspective on all things with my children. 

One of them was Kris Allen, who recently passed away. We would spent time together in the Nashville Temple, as worker and matron, washing, drying and folding towels for the baptistry. One evening, I mentioned that I was a homeschooling mom, and her eyes lit up. "So was I!" She declared. She then went on to listen as I aired out my frustrations with the work I was doing at home. 

After a time, she said, "You are doing a great job. Because you love and care about your girls, you will do all you need to do, and be all you need to be, to have them be a success." 

Getting a pep talk from her every once in a while, really boosted my strength. 

I also had a real low moment, once, where I was about ready to toss my girls into the school system, and give up with homeschooling for life. I called up a friend, who did not hesitate to give me a good "talking to". She reminded me that I had felt prompted to do what I was doing, and that it was going to be hard, even if I knew it was right. She was the right amount of tough love that I needed to get through my struggle, and move forward.

It not only takes a village to raise children, but it takes a village to feel seen, heard and appreciated. I know that I felt so good when I left that art class this morning, because I was reminded that good women and moms everywhere, were out in the world, doing the best they could, and it brought me a sense of camaraderie, and belonging. 

Be a great member of your village.