Look for Support at Home
Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband, and your children.  Here is how you can give and receive support right at home.

1. Start with Yourself

Set Realistic Expectations
God does not ask us to do more than we are able.  It is up to us to make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra projects of our own devising that he did not intend.

 •  Don't get carried away with extra-curricular activities; you need to be home to home school!

 •  If you are overwhelmed already, consider some of our suggestions for efficient school schedules in our Back-to-Home-School Checklist.
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter129.cfm

 •  Cut back and slow down until you can manage your goals.  It
is better to do a little well and then add more back in as
you can.

Maintain Your Health
We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given us, including our own health.  We are not free to indulge in excesses, but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our ability to accomplish His purposes.  We all know the basic rules:

 •  Eat healthily; drop extra pounds.

 •  Drink enough water.

 •  Exercise regularly, but reasonably.  A daily walk with your family promotes family unity as well as physical health.

 •  Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.

 •  Take time to relax and enjoy your family.

 •  Get your full amount of sleep every night.

You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a disregard of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.

2. Don't Overlook Your Spouse
Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will naturally be a great support to you.  And remember, you are his support system too.

While your spouse is your closest human support and should be kept aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and struggles, he should not feel that he is solely responsible to "fix" everything.  Let him know that you have other resources, and discuss options together with the confidence you gain from trusting the Lord.

It might help to obtain a book and show it to your husband to reassure him of the validity and benefits of home schooling.

Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to support you.

 •  Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day to debrief each other and pray about any situations that have arisen.

 •  Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system for their consistent discipline.

 •  Plan times to relax together.