As a homeschooling mom of four girls, I’ve learned one undeniable truth: attitude is contagious. Whether we’re knee-deep in farm chores, tackling math lessons around the kitchen table, or juggling work deadlines in the midst of a chaotic household, the energy I bring into the day spreads like wildfire.
The Ripple Effect of Our Attitude
It’s easy to think that our moods are our own, that a rough morning or a negative mindset only affects us personally. But in a home filled with little hearts watching and absorbing everything, our attitude is the undercurrent that directs the day. Personally, when I get ready before the girls, read my Bible, and get breakfast started the day seems to go much better.
If I wake up flustered, overwhelmed, or irritated, the girls sense it. Their responses shift—suddenly, small frustrations feel bigger, lessons become battles, and even the chickens outside seem to rebel against me. But everything feels lighter when I approach the day with patience, gratitude, and a spirit of joy. Not that the girls don’t have rough days, and they aren’t always pleasant, but my point is that the girls do seem to be in a better mood when mom is grumpy.
Homeschooling: Learning with Joy vs. Learning with Resistance
Homeschooling four kids is no small task. Some days, lessons come easily, and we all feel victorious. On other days, there are tears over long division and reluctant readers who would rather be outside on the trampoline. I’ve learned that how I respond in these moments sets the tone.
Farm Life: Hard Work with a Happy Heart
Our farm chores don’t wait for perfect moods. The animals need to be fed and there’s always something to fix or clean. When we start the morning feeding the chickens or gathering eggs, I can either frame it as a tiresome chore or an opportunity to be thankful.
If I groan about the muddy boots and never-ending tasks, the girls will too. But if I talk about how wonderful it is to have fresh eggs for breakfast, how strong we’re becoming through hard work, and how fulfilling it is to care for living things, they start to embrace the process. Some days we still have really bad attitudes about farm chores but me being grumpy doesn’t help.
Working from Home: Balancing It All with Grace
Running a business from home while homeschooling and homesteading isn’t for the faint of heart. There are days when I feel stretched too thin, pulled in every direction, and overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list. In those moments, I have two choices:
- Let stress take over, making me short-tempered and scattered.
- Choose calm and flexibility, remembering that I GET to do this, not that I HAVE to do this.
When I choose the second option, I notice a shift. I’ve realized that modeling a good work ethic with a positive attitude is one of the best lessons I can teach them.
Attitude is the Culture of the Home
At the end of the day, our attitude shapes the atmosphere of our home. A peaceful, joyful home isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing to face challenges with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of resilience.
