Hi.

New guy here, my name is Dan

My wife has been homeschooling our 4 kids all their lives. Our oldest is not 20 and married. The other 3 are doing well except in one area. They have a daddy (me) who still hasn't figured out this spiritual headship thing. My wife is exhausted from having to carry the load, and is begging for help.

I am a believer, but due to my past, I am seeing that my mind is unable to grasp the importance of some things.

Please pray that, for the sake of our childrens'spiritual state and my wife's sanity, that God's Spirit minister to me in a way I would understand, and that I would notice and respond correctly.

Please feel free to contact me with advice if God moves you to do so. I have posted my email.

Please understand, I am stepping out into new teritory for me. I am by no means an outgoing person, nor do I care much to socialize. Nonetheless, there are things more important than I. God's kingdom MUST come first.

Thanks.

-Dan

Dan,
thought I'd respond right here and now and say not really "bravo" to *you* but PTL that you are being humble enough to recognize how very very important your role is. I feel like crying!!

My dh some times "works against" me in my efforts or as you put it doesn't quite get how important it is that he get in tune with us.
That being said I have seen over time much maturity in him and he now often brings a balance to decisions that need to be made for the benefit of the kids and our schooling time.

I would encourage you to find an area or two that
you enjoy and share that with your kids thus giving mom time to do other things.

For instance my dh is learning about computers something I don't have the time and patience to do. So he has purchased the computers we use and cares for them. He enjoys selecting learning software for the kids and installing/ playing with them. So I willingly let go and let them enjoy this together.
He also knows now how important the simple things like taking the kids out to run errands, for fresh air outside, walks, play at the park, trips to the library ect... as well as hobbies that teach like gardening.

Oh, he is in charge of most of the shopping these days. And I will tell you he gets lots of compliments on how well he does from the cashiers, good healthy selections and bargain shopping skills off the chart for a man!

We have a long way to go ourselves but these seemingly little things make a huge difference in the health of our family relationships and how much "school"gets done.

If you are dealing with bigger issues like discipline, finances, health, or house up keep don't get discouraged these things can be helped too.

Another thought is .... ONe area we really need to work on is carving out times for me to work on lesson preparation, and personal time for me to revitalize myself so I can have more energy to give back to the family. For instance I have had 5 pregnancies and really need to get exercise and revitalize my body, we need to let me exercise, eating well is not enough anymore.

We have young kids and I often feel overwhelmed and think we will never get this homeschool thing right but the little strides give a lot of encouragement. Hope you can take what I shared and use it for family.

I my opinion being spiritual and being practical go hand in hand. If your kids are learning something in their school work with mom why not get creative and take the on a field trip or do a hands on project that goes along with the bool work. This can be your saturday afternoon family time. Also encourage your wife to point out web sites with ideas and articles that have good tips and encouragement my dh and I are so excited about this one we just found
http://oldfashionededucation.com/
Here you can find good encouraging info about teaching children naturally, and great out loud family reading selections. I just email him addresses and he bookmarks in his browser. This gives us things to talk about and feel close to one another through the business of raising the kids.

Don't give up.

Hi Dan,
Welcome to the board. Thanks for your transparency in wanting to be a better Dad. This is something my hubby and I struggle with a lot.
We're taking a look at http://www.k-dad.net. It's a resource for dads offered by HSLDA. I think you'll find some encouragement there.
I wish we would have more dads chiming in here to share their struggles. I will pray for you!
Blessings,
Christine

www.HomeFieldAdvantage.org