by Linda Kay

Created on: July 27, 2009

Since attitude is 99% of many problems, it is imperative that the instructor and the student make a conscious effort to keep a positive outlook in the classroom.

In most cases, the Home School instructor is 'Mom'. Typically, she carries the biggest load in the home. This is very time-consuming and very tiring. Therefore, the most important thing she can do for her family, as well as herself, is to get a proper amount of rest. This can be difficult when infants reside in the home. Both my mom (mother of five) and my grandmother (mother of nine) reminded me to "rest when the children are napping". That was very helpful advice.

During the latter years when our children were all in school and naps were a dream of the past, I found myself constantly tired once again. Periodically I practiced the "ten minute vacation". I would set my timer for ten minutes; longer if necessary. Then I found a comfortable position, usually with my feet propped up on my desk, and indulged in a relaxing daydream. I usually found myself on a deserted white-sand beach, lying on a hammock strung between two palm trees enjoying a warm breeze. I always faced the beautiful aqua-colored ocean. Ironic, since I truly dislike large bodies of water! When the timer rang, I always felt refreshed. Even that ten minute time frame can help you keep a positive outlook on your day.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a positive classroom is respect. If you have not already done so, begin teaching your child respect. It is never too late to do so. This is a very important life lesson they will need for years to come.

The best way to teach respect is to be respectful yourself. Yes, you are the parent, but that should be your greatest incentive. When you treat your children with respect it does two things for you in return. It shows you truly love and care for your children, and it commands respect in return. By having your young scholars answer you with a "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" will not hurt their psyche in the least, and works in their favor later when they apply for work. The same respect also carries over to each other. Your children will learn the give and take of life in a more polite fashion.

Keeping your home school classroom/area neat will have a positive, as well as a calming affect on both you and your students. In allowing the area to be messy and unkempt you are setting your family up for unnecessary trials. Most children would rather do anything other than sitting still doing their school work. A messy area provides plenty of distraction. This will divert their attention to non-important issues.

Encouragement is also a key factor. You can ruin the nicest classroom in the world with a sour attitude. Your children do not need that. Be sensitive to their need of approval and developing self-esteem. Bear in mind that if they do not receive encouragement at home they will seek it from an outside source. This could be potentially dangerous. A word fitly spoken can go a long way! A warm smile, a pat on the back, or smoothing your hand over their hair will speak volumes about your support. Eye contact is also very important. Your child will see the sincerity in your eyes.

A rested, respectful, encouraging mom will be a blessing to her family in the positive environment she creates.

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