Have you started reading the Homeschooling Book Club choice, "Homeschooling at the Speed of Life"? If not, it is certainly not too late to join in, as this is a several month read for many of us (me included). There is a wonderful Bible verse that Marilyn Rockett, the author of this insightful book, offers inspiration with on page 71.
"She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle."-
Poverbs 31:27

The quoted verse above refers to teaching children life skills, in specific, how to do a household job. She explains that many parents tell their children to do something, but they do not explain the method for doing the work. For example, you want to teach your homeschooler how to load the dishwasher, but you neglect to monitor their work and offer praise and suggestions. Children do not have prior knowledge of loading a dishwasher if they are experiencing the job for the first time. I agree with Marilyn, monitoring is not only necessary but also prudent.

Proverbs 31:27 got me thinking about how this idea of not being idle relates to all areas of a homeschool mom's life. I know we all have too much to do, and none of us is ever (gasp!) idle in a bored and unproductive way. However, I think some mom's become idle about expressing their faith through teaching, and following through on teaching their children those values. I realized that this is an area I could definitely stand to improve in. Oftentimes we set aside time to follow through with girl scout projects, church bakesales, etc.; but we do not follow through with essential homeschool and life skill training for our children. Do you feel that this is an area that needs improvement in your homeschool life? Have there been any Bible verses that you have personally identified with? Or maybe there is a specific chapter or part in the book that you feel you can relate to. Please feel free to email me at homeschooling@bellaonline.com and let me know what you are thinking. I'd love to include your thoughts and ideas in next week's article. I'll only use first names or not even if you prefer to comment anonymously. I hope that those of you reading the book are finding it to be enlightening and enjoyable.