The world has become a jungle of knowledge. During any given homeschool day, you may find a nugget of good information that just has to be passed onto your child. In the middle of all the knowledge flying to and fro, and between the teaching time, the seat work,and the learning activities, we sometimes forget to talk and relax with our children.A mom who doubles as a teacher needs to leave the teacher behind and simply become mom for a few hours everyday.

Listen to your child. Do not just hear the words, but notice the emotion too. Children crave the acknowledgment and undivided attention of their parents, especially mom. Many children find it difficult to express exactly what they want. It often takes patience and time to allow them to articulate themselves to their liking. Take the time. Talk to your child about general stuff and allow him or her to be 'just a kid'. When you talk to your child, ask for their opinions. Few things please them more. It also adds kilos to their self-confidence.

It can become a bad habit as parents to interrupt when our children talk. As adults we detest it when someone cuts across our lines. Kids keep mum because they are forced to be silent when we talk over them or discount their efforts to communicate. This is unhealthy and unfair. Keep the lines open and allow your child their mommy face time. Let them finish their thoughts and then chime in with your reply in a respectful manner. As parents, we teach by our actions a lot louder than with our words. By establishing this special time to stay connected, your child will have the confidence to confide in you.

Gentle parenting is the key to successful homeschooling. Be a parent first, and then a teacher.

I Corinthians 13:1 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am a sounding brass and a clanging cymbal."

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