The Business of Busyness

If you are anything like us, summertime is not always the laid back, relaxing time we imagine. In fact, I have heard from many other homeschooling families that the summer season is often the busiest of them all. From camps to weddings to holidays, there's a lot of balls in the air to manage. Schedules get modified (or thrown out altogether), which can bring some tension and stress to mom life.

I want to offer some words of encouragement in this busy time for any of you who may be finding yourself on-the-brink-of-overwhelmed by this summer. First, always remember that it's a season. As the Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under the heavens.” The kids will grow; the camps will be long gone. Try to enjoy whatever you have going on because you will miss the busyness one day.

Second, don't forget that you don't have to do everything. It isn't a requirement for Maximum Childhood Happiness. They will also remember and cherish slower days where movies were watched and popsicles were enjoyed at home. Make lemonade, catch fireflies, enjoy home.

Third, if there are big events that you are going to do, try to do them with a joyful spirit. Try not to let the pressure, the heat, the inevitable changes to plans throw you into a vortex of unease. The kids pick up on it and it makes everything more stressful. If you can roll with it, they will follow. They will learn skills about resilience, flexibility and spontaneity. They will be surprised to see Mom doing things differently than she always does, and that's good. Remember, there's a time for everything.

I hope your summer is going great and that you can fill your cup with all the great memories you're building together! God bless!