Since it's Valentine's Day, I thought it might be a good time to talk about something that often gets left out of many homeschooling discussions: romance! Really, romance can be a rare thing for any parent with small kids, but I think homeschooling marriages can really struggle with it because we face some issues that not everyone has, such as being with your kids all. the. time. Throw in the pressure of (usually) living on one income and the insecurities that many homeschooling moms deal with and romance can be the last thing on your mind at the end of the day. Eventually, though, your kids are going to grow up and (hopefully) move out of the house and you're going to be left with your husband. It would be nice to like each other then, wouldn't it? And wouldn't it be nice to enjoy your husband up to that point, too?
Here are a few books and blog posts that discuss marriage and romance for homeschooling couples that you might find interesting. Please remember that for almost every couple out there, there's a different view of what marriage should look like, so you may not agree with everything, and that's okay. Take what works for you and make your marriage better!
- The Busy Homeschooling Mom's Guide to Romance: Heidi St. John's books are fun and easy reads, but you will get a lot from this book! You can also read an interview with the author at Crosswalk.
- Help! I'm Married to a Homeschooling Mom!: This one is written for dads, so I haven't read it, but Todd Wilson is a really entertaining guy, so if there are any dads reading this, check it out!
- Why a Homeschooling Couple Should Make Their Marriage a Priority: The actual post gets a little technically theological, but the video at the beginning is a great reminder of what's important.
- Love, Marriage and a Homeschooling Carriage: This post at Hip Homeschool Moms might be rather convicting, but it's got some great ideas for strengthening your relationship.
- 3 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Homeschooling Marriage: This post (also from Hip Homeschool Moms) has some practical tips that may make things flow more smoothly in your home.
- Let Your Husband Love You: If you are a mom with small ones, especially, you should read this. My favorite part?
"He's been away at work all day. He'd much rather be with you. All of you. He's missed your face, your voice, your smell, and your touch. He's had to deal with whatever crap he has to deal with in order to provide for the family that he loves. He doesn't enjoy walking out the door every morning, but he does. Every day. For you. For them."
Spend some time with your husband. Go out if you can, but if you can't, then take some time after the kids are in bed and do something fun together. Remember what you loved about each other before you had kids and find that again! Happy Valentine's Day!
