As homeschoolers, we often focus on character training for our children.  We want them to be honest, good, and kind.  What about us though?  What character traits do we need to possess to be the best homeschool moms we can be?  So many times we focus on our students, letting ourselves slide.  However, I believe there are certain character traits that are extra important for the homeschool mom. What are they?

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Patience

This is the homeschool mom character trait that everyone thinks we need plenty of right?  The truth is I don’t have unlimited patience as a homeschool mom. I DO however have more now than I did in the beginning.  While patience is an important part of being a homeschool mom, it is also a learned skill and one that will grow and develop over time.  There will probably always be days when your patience is tested as a homeschool mom, but it does get better with time.

Perseverance

This is probably my top recommendation for a homeschool mom character trait.  There will be days when you want to quit, it’s inevitable.  It’s on those days that you need a healthy dose of perseverance.  There are times when the schedule gets crazy, the kids get whiny, and you don’t feel like you will last another day!  Push on sweet mom.  Tomorrow is a new day, you just have to have the fortitude to get there!  On days when you are tested try to remember your long-term plans.  Why did you start this journey in the beginning?

NIV, Homeschool Mom’s Bible: Daily Personal EncouragementOne Hundred and One Devotions for Homeschool MomsSend Help . . . and Coffee!: A Shot of Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

 

Dedication

Do you have the dedication to homeschool or will you quit the first time it gets hard? Homeschooling should never be done by a mom who isn’t dedicated.  If that’s the case then EVERYONE will suffer.  Homeschooling is hard work, so it needs to be something you feel passionate about.  Also, schoolwork has to be done every day.  Trust me when I say there will be days when you just don’t feel like picking up a book.  It’s on these days that you have to be dedicated enough to press on and through.

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Courage

You will need a healthy dose of courage to homeschool.  The standards of society tell us that public school is the “normal” way of life.  In the beginning, you will have to decide to go against conventional norms and forge your own path.  People will tell you that you are wrong in your decision, and there may even be days when you believe them.  In the end, you have to dig deep and do what YOU believe is right.  It also takes courage to be solely responsible for someone’s education.  Homeschooling is a HUGE responsibility, one you have to BELIEVE you are capable of.

Humility

Homeschooling will humble you in a way that you never expected.  I quickly learned to admit that I don’t know everything and there are times when I need help.  Confused with that math….ask for help!  Are you at your wit’s end today?  Call another homeschool mom and let her talk you through it.  Need a day off?  Then admit it to your spouse and take one.  You are not superwoman.  Don’t become prideful and think you can do it all on your own.  The phrase “it takes a village” is especially true in the homeschooling world.

Rescue: A Homeschool Mom’s DevotionalMoments of Grace: Daily Reflections for the Homeschool MomHomeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child with Confidence

 

Flexibility

Flexibility is an especially important character trait for the homeschool mom.  Days will derail and plans will need to be changed.  What works one day may not work the next.  You have to be flexible enough to roll with it.  Even if that means ditching that expensive curriculum that doesn’t work, or taking a day off when you need to.

Curiosity

Do you have a thirst for learning that never seems to be quenched?  That curiosity is an EXCELLENT character trait for a homeschool mom.  You will be learning all the time.  I am constantly amazed at how much I missed the first time through my education, and I’m also excited that I get the chance to experience all those things again.  Never lose your sense of wonder and excitement for learning.  Curiosity is contagious!

So there you have it, my top character traits for homeschool moms.  Homeschooling will strip you down and rebuild you in ways you don’t think are possible.  You will be pushed, pulled, broken, and remolded.  Maybe today you think you are lacking in these character traits, or that you will never get there.  Give it time and trust me, you will grow into them!  How do I know?  Because you are a homeschool mom, and you can do anything you set your mind to.

Is there anything you would add?  What has been your most useful character trait as a homeschool mom?