Two Are Better than One

SHERRI C 10/03/2008 04:41:56

My husband is part of our team by getting up very early every morning before the sun rises and going to work where he earns an income that supports our family. He arrives home usually after dark and we great him as if the day wasn't complete until he got there. Would he do laundry? dishes? teach a couple of subjects? Probably if I asked it of him. Would I ask him to? No, that is my part of the "team work." God made me the "Keeper of the Home."

DIANE P 10/03/2009 04:35:57

I fully agree with Sherri...amen & amen!!! I believe that couples need to be a team as this is God's design. He has given each one of us a role to play in our marriage & family...the husband to provide & the wife to keep house. I know a couple where the wife has to work & the husband stays home because of illness. These situations should be the exception not the rule. I know couples who say, "Everything is 50/50 in our house." Each giving 100% to their marriage & fulfilling their God given role guarantees a successful marriage. Too bad we don't see more of these. There's a saying, "As the family goes, so goes the church." Is it any wonder the church is the way it is!!! Sorry I digressed a little. :)

PATTY K 10/03/2009 16:35:11

I agree with both. Years ago, before my daughter started school, I was able to stay home with her. I would have never asked my husband to do the dishes, wash clothes, etc. Although, he would if I had ask him to. We started homeschooling our daughter last year, into the 6th grade. We both work full time, but with the hours we work, one of us is at home with her at one time or another. We are very blessed. Anyway, my husband teaches Math and Science and I teach Language and History. We work on all of the other together and that works for us. So, I think each individual family is diffrent. As long as it works for them, then that's what works.

LIZ R 10/06/2010 11:23:06

As Patty, both my husband and I work opposite shifts. Team work is definitely a plus in our house especially with homeschooling 4 children. He coordinates day activities and evening activities if any are with me. I do most of the tests, make-up work and recordkeeping. I know my husband does more then me both in homeschooling and household chores. I am truly blessed to have this man in my life! Our Jr. High son also helps tutor his younger siblings.

DEEDRA B 10/03/2011 06:36:53

This is very encouraging to me. I thought our situation of both parents working was unusual in the Homeschool community. My husband and I work outside the home part time trading off our schedules in our small business. We have 5 children with the oldest 9, then 6,5 2, and 9 mo. My husband is very willing to help with whatever needs to be done. For some time I felt that I should be doing it all myself. I was a sinking ship. I am so thankful the lord provides ways to accomplish his plan. Thank you for the encouragement. Deedra B

DEANNA B 10/03/2011 06:36:54

Thank you for today\'s article and the husband/wife communication it encourages.

SANDI B 10/03/2011 06:44:50

Sherri hit the nail on the head! I know each family is different and has different work schedules, etc. but for families like mine where I stay home and homeschool the 4 kids and my husband wakes up at 5:30 am to put in a long day at work...I would have to say that each of us is putting in 100% in regards to teamwork. Thankfully, my husband is more than willing to help out on the weekends and like Sherri said if I asked him to do more he would, but I would never do that. He works hard to support us financially and I am grateful for the opportunity to stay home.

JACQUELINE W 10/03/2011 06:55:19

My husband and I have had different roles depending on his schedule. When he worked longer hours but only 4 days a week he would teach all the science and some math, the kids loved the learning time with Dad. Now he schedule doesn\'t allow for that much time off but when he is off on a planned school day he\'ll take one at a time and do some math or science work with them, it really helps out. As for household chores, he does the \"man\" stuff, repairs and big stuff. The kids all help out with laundry, dishes, cooking, trash, yard work and other chores that need to be done daily or weekly. They have really learned how to work together at a team, most days. :-) If not for my husband working so hard I would not be able to stay home with our 5 children (14, 12, 9, 7, 2), we both do our part and that is what makes it all work.

ANDREA B 10/03/2011 07:10:55

In our family my husband is the \"principal\" of our little academy. He is responsible for checking on the progress the children are making, assisting with subjects as needed, handling discipline issues that cannot be resolved in the classroom and ultimately holding the teacher (that\'s me) accountable to the standard of education we want to achieve in our home.

HEATHER F 10/03/2011 09:22:58

I think it is great when a mom is able to handle every single detail of the home and school, however, we can sometimes make moms feel badly when it seems that is the only way. Often, it takes a great deal of my time to sit with a child who needs me to listen, or with a child who needs correction. Sure, I could work diligently from dawn to dusk and keep up with every little detail, but somehow my children would be lost in that approach. It just wouldn\'t work in our house.

Some days, when my husband gets home, we are finished with school, the house is orderly and dinner is on the table. Other days, we are still doing school, the baby is crying, I haven\'t had a chance to shower, the house is in disarray and my husband sees that as his opportunity to serve our family. He is very helpful as a way to be an encouragement to me.

Ideally, I\'d do it all, but I think it is a wise woman who takes the day in the direction God leads and uses the teachable moments. It is good for our children to see Daddy humble himself and it is good for them to learn to be servants, too. When we are a family, we all work together to see one another succeed and for God\'s purposed - His glory, His honor and His pleasure!

HEATHER D 10/03/2011 09:41:56

Very Wisely Spoken Heather

It\'s nice to hear God working in a family.

TABITHA M 10/03/2011 10:27:03

My husband works full time and I stay home with our 4 children, so most housework & home school falls on my shoulders but on the weekends he helps with the daily upkeep. And when there is a special project or science experiment to do , he steps up to the plate & does it with the kids for me. He sometimes says he is a lil jealous of how much time I get to have with our kids and is hoping for a different kind of income so that he can spend more time with them & help me more. The best part is the fact that he is supportive of our decision & stands up to opposition on our decision to raise our children this way. Many people don\'t understand the sacrifices that come with this kind of lifestyle. But we would not do it any other way. God has blessed sooooo much.

EDWIDGE S 10/03/2011 21:42:38

Well ... if I\'m being completely honest, Sherri C\'s post made me feel badly--if only for a few moments.

We have 3 children, one of which is a newborn, and I can\'t nor have I any desire to play superwoman. I\'ve learned--the hard way--that when I don\'t ask for the help and support I need, I\'m no good to my kids, my husband or myself.

My husband works insane hours as he\'s a law enforcement officer, and I don\'t have a lot of help in the way of family and friends who are available at the times I would need them the most; so it does get a bit overwhelming sometimes.

If he\'s working or home but very tired from work, I do what I can with the strength God has given me for the day or the task at hand, but if he\'s available/able to help, I\'m sooo asking. :)

It\'s funny, my girlfriends and I were just talking about how many of the wives/mothers in the Bible had maidservants and how much having one would make our lives easier! lol

Another thing I wanted to bring up ... with regard to how men and women/husbands and wives are suppose to relate to each other and their roles within marriage and the home, there are differences and specific \"assignments,\" if you will; but what I\'ve noticed in my study of the Word is that it has a lot to say about the FATHER\'S involvement in the lives of his children (to discipline, correct, bless and TEACH). In fact, there is almost more emphasis on the father\'s parental responsibility than the mother\'s.

Well, that\'s just my two cents. Hope I didn\'t ruffle any feathers.

ABBI M 10/03/2011 22:56:08

My husband has been out of town for a week an a half now for work. Today I had enough of the single parent life. My prayers are with those who are single parents. A friend of mine is a single mom who works from home and homeschools her 3 kids. Wow! She has God\'s grace upon her. I can\'t wait for my husband to get home. I need his help (with discipline and encouragement). We have 5 kids who are close in age (10, 9, 7, 5, 4) and are helpful, but nothing compares to having your helpmate. He is amazing, he works, does the laundry (I\'ve tried to get him to stop), discipline (nothing compares to the correction of a father), and he even does breakfast for me most mornings! Wow, this post reminded me of all the blessings I have in my husband. I should tell him thanks today and let him know how much I appreciate him. For the husband is the one who is most accountable to the Lord for his family. We wives should remember this even though we feel the most accountable since we are with the kids all day. The husband is the head of the family so the weight is on his shoulders and we should help and encourage him. But that is what this message was about two is better than one. Amen to that (especially after this week)!

CARRIE S 10/04/2011 17:13:18

So thankful my husband and I work as one. Glad that we live in a day and age where husbands don\'t come home and put there feet up while wives continue until bedtime. With 3 little ones my husbands pitching in makes all 5 of us live a stronger happier life. We are a team and a thank God for our unity. Gods plan for this family has worked out beautfully.

STEPHANIE J 10/03/2012 06:03:42

Do what works for your family. Every situation is different. Many husbands work long hours at physically and emotionally draining jobs. Others are able to be home more. Some mothers work outside the home. Others don\'t. There are even some who are single parents trying to work full-time and homeschool with no support from the other parent. We can\'t say our way is the right way and anybody who does it differently is wrong. There is not one mold that every family is supposed to fit in. Encourage one another. Praise the LORD for being able to homeschool. Thank Him for all He has given you. God is good ALL the time! <3

KELLY D 10/03/2012 06:20:22

I have a question...what about us single moms? Having to do the work of both mom and dad, working, homeschooling, taking care of the house, and being the parent of a child with autism, let me tell ya...it don\'t come easy! =) There are days when it all flows smooth and you think \"Fabulous! I can do this!\" and then the next day you\'re lucky to get a shower and one subject done! I must say that I am envious of those who have husbands, never take them for granted (not that any of you do, it sounds!) Have a blessed day, everyone!

LAURA K 10/03/2012 06:31:07

Thanks Kelly D! I too am a single mom with three girls and I work from home. Blessed are ALL who homeschool. We are doing God\'s will. Blessings to all!

KATHY S 10/03/2012 06:36:50

Single Mom with a Child with Asperger\'s. Depend on Jesus mostly, myself and my Mom all the time.

Thank you Jesus for being there for us always! ( And thanks for my Mom!)

RACHAEL R 10/03/2012 07:46:30

My husband was a very big part of our homeschool before he passed away last October. He worked from home so he could help teach & go on fieldtrips with us. He got to do so much with his children that they will always remember. I would encourage any father to be as involved with their children\'s education as they can. There is no rule that says you can\'t learn in the evenings or on weekends!

GORDEN M 10/03/2012 09:47:05

Laura K,

I am new to this blog and I have a question. Is it God\'s will for all parents to homeschool?

ALEZA J 10/03/2012 10:44:24

Yes. Especially with all the public schools kicking God out. Why would God want our future in a godless environment??

RICK B 10/03/2012 12:33:28

I am the father & husband in the home. I have been doing the homeschooling for the last three and one-half years, having started the second half of kindergarten. My loving wife leaves daily to earn what is needed over and above my retirement for us to live. She does help with teaching Lang. Arts on her days off. This works great for us.

GORDEN M 10/03/2012 14:20:34

But does it say that it is God\'s will to homeschool in the Bible?

GORDEN M 10/03/2012 14:21:19

And what about private Christian schools?

KATHY S 10/03/2012 19:51:12

Gorden M.

You didn\'t ask me, so I hope I am not overstepping my bounds here by giving input.

I can\'t answer your question as far as does it say in the Bible to Homeschool.

A private Christian School is an option in my opinion if you can afford the huge tuition, But, be very careful on what one you choose. Screen the school fully. My niece went to a pruvate Christian School and she was slapped in the face by another student. When her Mother addressed the student who slapped her\'s Mother, the mother could have cared less.

And my niece was popular, in activities, tall, thin, and beautiful, smart, friendly and came from a wealthy family. So in todays society she wasn\'t a target for any reason that was evident. (according to todays standards, which is sad).

I have another friend who sent all 3 of her girls to a different Christian acadamey, and they all are doing and have done well, without problems, my friend still wishes she had homeschooled. Which is interesting, I\'ll have to ask her the reason why.

I don\'t know if this will help or not, but I hope so. Have a Blessed evening!

BOBBIE H 10/04/2012 10:17:59

I have heard so many opinions on homeschooling whether you should or shouldn\'t. It does not say specifically to home-school in the bible.

However, Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says \" You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.\"

Proverbs 22:6 \"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.\"

One should pray & be led by the Holy Spirit in whether or not to home-school or put in private Christian school. Don\'t go off of peoples opinions or their views it is good to get biblical counsel from a pastor but ultimately where God is leading you and what He is putting on your heart to do. Where God leads you He will equip you. We often say oh I could never but have we really prayed & sought God\'s will instead of going off of what we feel and think. Our feelings waiver but God is unwavering amen! I am new to home-schooling 1st year to my 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son. It is very challenging, but the reward will come. I may not see it right away, but God is faithful & He will reveal to me in His timing.

So again to those who are unsure spend that quiet time seeking His will in what He would have you do.

God Bless!!!

BOBBIE H 10/04/2012 10:28:45

One more thing... It really depends on your children & how firm they stand in God & on His word, but there are those in the public in \" a godless environment\" who bring the godless to God & make that difference that\'s where we would find Jesus teaching. That\'s where we need to teach our children to be teaching to those who don\'t have God, who don\'t have a hope. Again it depends on where they are at in their relationship with Him, & how they do in those environments. Don\'t we all need to be teaching more to the lost, I know I do.

LISA B 10/07/2012 10:29:33

I am so blessed. My husband is the primary homeschool teacher. I help in the afternoons as I can, after teaching elementary school all day. My dear husband takes care of the laundry, the household, and teaches our child in the way he needs to be taught. He and my son are blossoming through this new arrangement, and I feel so blessed that God has allowed us this opportunity. It may not be the norm, but I am so impressed by what my husband is doing. There are not many men who would choose to be their child\'s teacher. God is good to us!

CHRISTINA LITTLE 10/03/2013 13:22:04

Being "Keeper of the home" doesn't mean our husbands shouldn't help us teach our children! They are OUR children, not solely mine. The best way to turn my boys into a sissie is to assume full responsibility of all their schooling. Sorry ladies, I just think you like the idea of handling it all by yourself. Like a badge or something. We fight the world so hard to prove ourselves that we become prideful and won't include our husbands in raising our children.

Connie Fitch 10/03/2013 13:22:19

I have just this week completed the home school process and will begin on Monday. My 8 yr old is in public school and really needs to be more challenged. I went to withdraw her from her school and was ganged up on by principal, assistant principal and my daughters teacher . They told me I was hurting my child academically by pulling her out of school. By the time they were done I was in tears and second guessing my decision. I turned to The Lord and found peace that yes I am doing what is best for my child . My husband is going to be a very big part in this endeavor. I am scared to death!! I know that with faith and support I can do this

CHRISTINA LITTLE 10/03/2013 14:11:13

Connie, let them gang up on you. It doesn't change the fact that your child will have higher scores than their students. One on one teaching has proven itself to be a more effective approach to schooling children. There's enough research out there to prove homeschool is a better source of education for students. You're going to be a great teacher! If you can teach your child to walk, talk, and eat, you can teach her math and science. No worries! God will guide you to the right resources. Sending prayers your way.