If you have been following this series, you know we have previously discussed things that keep us from experiencing joy in our role as homeschoolers, and more importantly, mothers. I pray that by seeing yourself in some of the examples, you realized you were not alone in the battle against our Enemy, who would love nothing more than to keep all of us in an un-joyful place. Having seen our own struggles mirrored in another’s life, we get a sense of peace and are able to move on. Today we will be discussing ways we can take time in our day to make sure we are enjoying our family, and special traditions and rituals we can incorporate to truly build family unity!

I must confess that this was my favorite part of the survey I conducted. I started compiling answers over three months ago, and the responses were so awesome that I immediately started implementing many of them! Granted, many of them are things that I was already striving to do, but seeing how others made it a daily priority encouraged me to do the same, and my family has been blessed as a result. There were also several moms who confessed in embarrassment that they realized they hadn’t established ANY rituals or traditions unique to their family. . . if this is you, please do not sit there in guilt or shame! Take some of the ideas I will list here and use them as a springboard for creating your own special family moments. It is never too late to start and today is a perfect opportunity!

The way that I have always made sure I was enjoying my family was to stop and ask myself if I had REALLY hugged them, laughed with them, or been silly with them yet that day. Did I abandon all motives and intentions at least once and just sit down with them and sing songs, hug, and join in their play and silliness. Since I am a natural goober, this should come pretty naturally and often it does – but it is just as likely, if I am not careful, to get bogged down in my “to do” list for the day and let these moments pass me by. It seems that I am not alone. Taking time to be intentional about silliness, singing, laughing, and tickling were listed by almost everyone who replied! It just warms my heart to not only know that I have so many kindred spirits out there, but to think of all the joyful homeschool children we are raising, children who are confident and grounded in their parent’s love! This journey truly is a blessing!

Those were things that I have always done, but the ideas gleamed from your responses are what has truly made the difference in our home. Designated “Snuggle Times in Bed” was by far my favorite suggestion! Some of you, like my family, do this in the evening before bedtime (which is great), but many more of you do this throughout the day! Melissa Corbett suggests starting your day this way.

“We almost always start our day by snuggling. The kids come downstairs and we laugh, tickle, snuggle and sometimes read books before we get out of bed and start our responsibilities.”

I must say that this would have never occurred to me naturally. I am not a morning person so when the girls wake up, I am either walking around in a daze feeling as though I am already behind, or on a caffeine-high that runs counter to the calm atmosphere Melissa describes here. But, I decided to try it out, and it has been amazing! Admittedly, we don’t do this every morning anymore, but at least once a week I go up to their room and we cuddle under the covers, talk about their dreams, what we are going to do that day and occasionally read a book or two, all before getting dressed! It brings such a feeling of connectedness, tranquility and happiness – you must try this! Another “snuggle time in bed” suggestion was after lunch, which has also become a favorite of ours.

Family Nights were a very popular idea among respondents. Our family does this on every Friday with pizza and a movie. Other suggestions included going on family walks around the neighborhood or park, ‘family home evenings’ on Mondays (with bible stories, singing and games), and family game nights throughout the week.

For those of you with large families, while it’s important to have everyone together, many of you suggested one-on-one time with each of your children as well. Whether it is once a month, or designating a different day each week for bonding time with an individual child, whatever works best for your unique family is the key. The point is to take time to be a family – not a ‘homeschooling family’ trying to get in a sneak-attack lesson – and just simply enjoy each other’s company!

Being homeschooling families, however, is one of the things that make our families unique and help to build that family unity. One of the major reasons we have chosen to homeschool was to build our family relationships, and this was a common theme among responses as well. For some of you, naming your homeschool and choosing your school’s motto, colors or mascot helped to make it feel as though it truly was YOURS. For others, the very act of homeschooling itself, with the cuddly read alouds, silly games to reinforce learning, following your child’s current delight in learning, and going on various field trips, is what creates that joyous family bond.

Centering our homes and families on our relationship with the Lord was also a high priority for many of us, and a clear way to encourage family unity. While homeschooling can be a chaotic existence, many of you found creative ways to make sure that you took time as a family to point back to God. Kristin, mommy to two young ones, has a family circle and prayer time each morning, Melissa’s family listens to a children’s audio bible everyday together at lunch, and Tristan’s large family reads scriptures together daily. For our family, it is our bedtime ritual with bible stories and family prayer time that means the most and truly serves to focus our thoughts and gratitude toward our Heavenly Father.

Finally, the last suggestion probably has served to make the greatest difference in our homeschool and family life. It was offered by my dear friend Candace, who has a gift for making the mundane special. She believes the priority placed on celebrating everyday ordinary things is what makes her family unique, and as a loyal blog reader, I must agree! By following her example, she has inspired me to truly bring joy into our homeschool with our Unit Study table. Every Monday morning, when the girls come downstairs, they are greeted by our large desk that is laid out with all of the books, videos, crafts and toys we will be using that week in our unit study. They literally squeal with delight, and run down in excitement to see what they are going to be learning about, eager to start! Is this instilling a love of learning – and wonderful family memories, traditions and unity – or what?!?

I sincerely hope that you have been encouraged or inspired by the thoughts shared to create your own unique traditions and rituals, or “steal” some of the ones listed here. There is no prize for creativity and you do not have to recreate the wheel. . . the point is to enjoy your family! I will leave you with a thought from Diane Terry, a member of our Research panel, which expresses my heart so eloquently. Be blessed!

“I think it is not so much a scheduled event as much as it is an ongoing attitude. When I am teaching my daughters th
roughout the day, I enjoy virtually every moment that I have the honor and privilege of spending quality and quantity time with them. We are strengthening our relationship with one another everyday. Homeschooling is an attitude of enjoying your children!”

Rachel is a wife and a preschool homeschooling mom of two little princesses, Jordan Faith (3) and Carolina “Cali” Grace (2). She has a passion for instilling a love of learning. She loves to create her own unit studies, as well encourage moms to experience Joy in the MINISTRY of Motherhood. Visit Rachel at Keep The Way.