by Nan Keltie

Created on: February 15, 2010   Last Updated: February 16, 2010

As a home school parent, there are going to be days you’d like to stick your head under the pillow and call in a substitute teacher.  If that’s not possible, how do you know what to let go on a hectic day? 

Let go of stress -

Stress has a way of robbing us of needed energy.  What you can do nothing about today, let go for another time.  As you surrender overly-ambitious expectations, you’ll find your shoulders will lose some of their slump (or pent-up tension).  Stress can be a cruel companion!

 We moms aren’t usually willing to show our vulnerability, but it’s important to let the children see this once in awhile.  Let them pamper you a bit by serving up some hot tea, good music and a neck massage.  It’s good for them and a delightful change of pace for you.  No matter what else you do or don’t get done today, let go of stress!

Let go of the phone -

On a hectic day, a ringing phone is just one more intrusion.  Plug in the answering machine, turn the volume down to its lowest setting and let it handle your calls.  You can always check it periodically if you’re expecting an important message.  Be sure you have an alternative contact for your spouse or elderly parents in case of emergency. 

If you don't have an answering machine, assign phone duty to one of the older children.  They can honestly say, “Mom isn’t available right now, but I’ll write your name and number down if you need to have her return your call.” 

Many times, the caller will admit, “It’s not that important …” and will call back another day. If your children are polite and able to handle responsibility, they are getting some good practice at taking calls - and you can let go of the phone on a hectic day.

Let go of schoolwork -

Okay, worst-case scenario: The toilet won't flush, the washing machine is broken, and your toddler and his seven-year-old sister are down with chicken pox.  Since you’ve been up and down all night playing nurse, you need to let go of schoolwork on a hectic day.

If you have other children at home, encourage them to do some creative learning. This might include reading, writing, drawing, building models, painting, working puzzles, organizing baseball cards or playing educational games on the computer. You can always get back to the books tomorrow.

Let go of strict schedules -

If you’re an organized

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