We have reached a point where being an introvert does not carry the same stigma it once did. Introverted folks everywhere are learning that it is okay to not be an extrovert, or display extroverted tendencies all of the time. The truth is, God didn’t make us all extroverts and it is important to embrace the good truths about ourselves, and learn to use our gifts properly.
I had to learn to recognize my own introverted nature–for example, small talk and on-going conversation can be draining; 1-2 outings per week is way more than enough time away from home; waking early mornings or pulling in late nights just to be in the quiet; prefer to have one friend over at a time to have a meaningful conversation vs. lot of friends over at once, for a cookout with loud music, while you try to float around and talk to everyone. . . .you get the picture.
As a wife, mama to 7 with one on the way, and a homeschooler, it is very important for me to accept the truth about myself. What I see some moms accomplishing in one day–morning basket time, music lessons, a history project, a science experiment, a field trip and volunteering opportunity (according to social media)–would take me months to complete. I’m just not that mom. One day full of all the things would overwhelm me and then I’d be unable to serve my family well.
I am learning not to be ashamed of this, feeling like I can’t keep up. Instead, I offer my family this consistency: knowing when to schedule the busy and including time in the schedule to recover from the busy. That last part is the secret sauce. Doing so allows us to be constant and steady for our families; it allows us to be in a place of peace instead of frazzled. And, most times it is good for rest and recovery to occur daily.
Any homeschooling mother would agree, we are always busy, right? Learning to build times of rest and quiet, recharge and recovery into the daily schedule is key. One standard I’ve kept for the last 16 years is daily naptime. Every day for 1 ½ to 2 hours or so, the house must be quiet. If the child is too old to take a nap, then he or she must find a quiet, independent activity or, quite honestly, watch a pre-approved movie.
During this quiet time in my home, I might do a task around the house while listening to a podcast, sew or crochet, write a blog post, spend some time outside or take a nap, too. Some mothers create small bits of quiet spread throughout their day. I’m learning that I need a bit of space to regroup between morning instruction and lunch time.
So, homeschool mamas of an introverted nature, I encourage you to use your time wisely. Don’t ever measure yourself against an extroverted mother (especially through social media)–the two of you have different giftings.
If you’re an introvert, what does a regular homeschool day look like for you? How do you schedule regular times of rest and refreshment?
