Homeschool Interview with Alyssa @mercyfarms
We are so excited to begin sharing interviews with homeschooling mamas in the Home+Haven Community! We want to highlight all different types of families and homeschooling styles. We hope you find them an encouragement!
Name and where are you from?
Alyssa @mercyfarms
Kingsville, Missouri
What are the ages of your kids?
14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
What part of your curriculum is your favorite?
I really enjoy our morning time, Bible, Catechism, and singing hymns. As well as our History! Really all the things we can do all together, I seem to enjoy the most!
Tell us about some of the highs of homeschooling for you?
The joys of witnessing things making sense or just clicking for a child. To be there when there is a struggle and reaping the joys of seeing them succeed are certainly highs of homeschooling. To be the one encouraging and cheering them on to press on and not to give up. These years I will never forget!
What are some of the lows of homeschooling for you and what helps you through them? Struggling with feeling inadequate. Lies and dark clouds can so quickly overwhelm my weary heart. So thankful for God's Word to combat those feelings of doubt and to encourage my heart to be faithful in this journey He has called us to.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 ESV
"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ESV
How do you split up your day when you have different aged/grade level of children?
We start our days with gathering all together for morning time, Bible, Catechism, our hymns, memory work, and history. Then the older ones will get started on Latin, math, grammar, logic, and writing, as I work with the littles on their reading, math, and grammar. Throughout the day I will help each one of the kiddos as they have questions or if I am introducing a new lesson.
What practical advice would you leave with our homeschooling mamas?
Take a deep breath and truly try to enjoy the days! There will be hard days and there will be many tears and hardships. If you need to walk away from the books and do something fun/creative or go for a walk know that that is ok! The books will always be there waiting. Instilling a love for learning is far more valuable than checking off a list. Do not hinder that love by overwhelming either party.
How can we pray for your family this month?
Pray that we would finish off the school year strong! With happy hearts and cheerful attitudes knowing that all of our works and efforts are for the Lord!
