by Shari McMinn

He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Luke 6:39-41 ESV)

Sometimes, our egos get in the way of our humility, and we think we are ‘know-it-alls’ about those things we have strong opinions on, pointing out the ‘logs’ in others to make ourselves feel more capable. At other times, we lack confidence as parents because of the shortcomings in our own education decades ago, comparing ourselves to others who we think might be better than us. As sinful humans constantly under ‘enemy’ attack, we all suffer through these times. But when do we honestly and practically address our conflicted feelings regarding our abilities/inabilities to become both humble and accomplished for homeschooling our children? We do not want to blindly lead our children during their homeschool years, so it is wise to seek the training we need to become a teacher our students respect and become fully trained ourselves.

Personally speaking, summer break from my homeschool year schedule was a good time to take an honest look at myself. I could take time to re-evaluate where I was in life, what I realistically needed to learn more about parenting and discipling my kids, and how to become a better home education teacher for them. To do so, I needed to study God’s Word about the life of my Master Teacher, Jesus. I was also trained by others who were older and wiser, who had ‘been there, done that’ during the Christian home education of their own children. 

I want to give you some ideas as to how and when you can practically do the same this summer over the next 6-8 weeks.

Let me start with a few suggestions as to the ‘how’:

• Listen to podcasts about Christian discipleship and marriage
  • Church & Family Life’s 7 Good Marriage Habits 
  • Visionary Family Ministries’ Practical Steps to Oneness in Marriage 

• Read books on homeschooling and parenting
  • CHEC Colorado Homeschool Guidebooks 
  • Inspirational Homeschooling book 

• Review workshops you missed at the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
  • Resounding Voice’s 2024 Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference recordings 

• View an online session about home educating Unique Learners:
  • HSLDA’s Meeting My Child’s Special Needs 
  • SPED Homeschool Unleashing Your Student’s Potential

The ‘when’ can include one or more of the following to provide you with time alone listening, reading, viewing, and praying over your personal homeschooling ability development:

• Swap childcare for a few hours weekly with a trusted family 
• Pack a breakfast ‘picnic’ for your kids and have them stay outside all morning
• Have your spouse plan a weekly ‘date night’ with your kids downstairs, outside, or away from home
• Save your pennies for an overnight or weekend retreat by yourself to a nearby motel/hotel
• Ask to use a room in your church for a ‘personal planning day’ while your spouse or another trusted adult can be home with your children

This type of ‘continuing education’ will help you improve your homeschool teaching skills, which will benefit you and your family. Be sure to also make and take plenty of ‘down time’ this summer to do what you love. My favorite summer days were always spent reading a good book poolside while my kids burned energy cooling off in our local pool. We maintained a lighter daily routine during summer ‘break’ to enjoy more play time than during the rest of the year. This allowed us to start the new school year refreshed and ready. I hope these strategies will help your summer become a great one!

My next Unique Learner blog, “Hot Dates With Your Spouse At Home” will be posted on July 24th (the 4th Wednesday).

Shari McMinn, your trusted homeschooling friend   

P.S. If you have a topic I should write about, please email me with your suggestion(s). This blog is for you!

About the Author: Shari McMinn

Shari Howard McMinn has graduated from homeschool teaching and is a professional editor, public speaker, and writer. After living in Colorado for 45 years, she continues to work remotely for Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) from her new home in the Fort Myers, Florida area. Shari is the author of four books, which are detailed on her website, ShariMcMinn.com. She is an advocate for adoption, homeschooling, safe and stable families, and unique learners. A few years ago, she entered a very fun new season of life: grandparenting! She is available to answer your questions via email, Shari@CHEC.org.