1inchrist

For many home-school families, the bulk of the educational responsibility is placed upon the mother. It’s not that the father is incapable of teaching his charges; it’s just that he is usually the one who works (outside of the home). Let’s face it, few of us men, (myself in particular) would be able to teach, multi-task, and manage the home at the level our brides can, day-in and day-out. There’s just to many things going on at one (or any given) time to keep track of for us singular focus types.

Oh sure, I could teach the basics, some may even be able to teach the more advanced subjects. The challenge for me, and many other men would be doing that consistently and effectively while fulfilling the other daily familial responsibilities. I like to tell my bride I can do all the things (as in each individual task) that she does. I just can’t do them all (as in all of them), like she does - let alone, every day.

I can, and have fed the kids many times…but I have forgotten that a couple of times.        ( The quality of care drops dramatically when she leaves the house). I can, and have done the dishes and laundry but I have great difficulty understanding the concept of doing a job that has no end in sight. It drains me. I mean, once you get done doing the dishes, there’s more dishes. The laundry only differs from dishes in that I don’t think (especially with 8 children) we could ever say the laundry has ever been “done” in the literal sense of the word. I know many men are genuinely surprised to find out that “doing the laundry” actually includes folding everything and putting it back where it came from a few days ago. That compounds the problem immeasurably.

All I know is that once the piles are down to a few manageable loads, there’s still more laundry to do! When I work in my trade, I can see what I have completed. There is a noticeable and measurable progression by the end of each day that will not have to be done again and again. That measure satisfaction seems un-attainable in the home.

At home, all this goes on all day long, every day. On the few occasions that I’ve been home, by the time the second load of dishes comes around, I’m ready for my nap! My bride says “you can’t”…not just because she doesn’t. She says I can’t take a nap because the laundry and the dishes will continue to pile up and it will just get worse. I guess that’s where I’m different from her! I’m thinkin’ I need a nap precisely because the laundry and the dishes will keep piling up!

Did I mention the all kids have to be home-schooled during all this? I was gonna get to that but I had to take the garbage out because the baby had a blowout that made his jump suit expendable. There are some stains I just don’t want coming out in the wash…or anywhere else for that matter.

This is just a glimpse of what goes on, in and around home-schooling families on a daily basis. I didn’t forget to mention the spills, the floors, the furniture, the shopping or the errands, it’s just that I need to get to the point of this article.

The primary role of the typical home-school dad is to help, support, and encourage his bride in all she does. One of the things that most grieves me is when I see a husband who does not believe his wife is qualified to teach their children. That is insulting and degrading.

God Almighty places the responsibility for teaching children solely on the parents. That which God calls us to do He will enable us to do. Your job, as the spiritual leader of your home is to love her, encourage her, and instill confidence in her so she will flourish in her role. Rather than undermining her with veiled insults regarding her ability to teach, speak grace, and that which is edifying to her.

How successful do you think you would be if your boss or co-workers had no confidence in your ability and made that known to you in no uncertain terms?

Who is more likely to be successful, a person who is held in disdain by his peers, whose every little mistake is scrutinized and magnified, and publicized; causing insecurity.

Or, a person who is valued and encouraged by his peers, whose mistakes are seen as just that – mistakes that one has the liberty to learn from ?

Confidence is an amazing motivator. With it, one believes he / she can do anything. Without it, one is at a loss to do things they once excelled in. You can see that illustrated in professional athletes very often.  A husband can and should inspire confidence in his bride. His encouragement will inspire confidence. His support of his bride in backing her authority before the children will bring order and peace into the home. His time and effort in helping out around the house will go further in bringing peace to other areas of the home!!! Then you can take your nap!

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