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Best tips on how to Set Up A Homeschool Classroom

Tips and Tricks For Setting Up Your Homeschool Classroom

home classroom setup

Best tips on how to set up a homeschool classroom could not have come in at a better time than in the current season of our lives.

The pandemic has changed everything including how our kids are taught.

Setting up your homeschool classroom can be as fun and creative as you want it to be.

It may start off a bit daunting, but we are about to help you make the task easier.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7

The ways to organize your own homeschool space are endless.

Setting up your homeschool doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Remember to set up a budget for it and stick to it.

In an in-person public or private school, teachers’ classrooms vary greatly.

Each teacher chooses his or her own color scheme, organizational theme, decorations, and bulletin board features.

In the same way, you as a new homeschool teacher – Mum and Dad are free to create your space however you want!

You can choose a modern or minimalist model. Prioritize comfort as much as possible.

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Bright colors or your favorite team’s memorabilia can decorate the walls.

When considering how to set up your homeschool classroom, remember the following mantra: Choose whatever makes you happy!

Here are a few homeschool classroom organization models from those who have had experience in the homeschool classroom.

As you read through them, choose the one that works best for your family.

You can even mix and match and add your own options!

This article is a treasure chest of ideas for practical tips for starting off your own homeschool adventure.

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Living Room Homeschool With Lap Desks

Did you know that you can have a school in the middle of your living room!

Some public school classrooms are looking more and more like a living room.

A couch, a rug, and a bookshelf adorn the floor.

Students can study on desk/chair sets, floor desks, and lap trays.

Kids love the freedom of being able to relax on the floor or on a special chair or cushion while studying.

The simplest and no-fuss homeschool classroom set-up is to just use your own living room!

Each of your children can sit on the couch or on the floor with lap desks.

Lap trays usually include a hard surface for writing and a compartment to store pencils.

They also have a place to put whiteboards, erasers, and other supplies.

Kids can use their lap tray to keep track of their essential items.

This multipurpose lap desk is perfect in a homeschool environment.

With lap trays, children have the freedom to move around the room.

However, it’s still a good idea to assign spots or areas where your kids are allowed to work.

For example, if your children are doing online school from their local elementary, middle, or high school, it’s a good idea to position them with their backs to you so you can see their computer or tablet screens.

First, have the children sit far enough apart that they don’t distract each other.

Next, arrange them to sit in a semi-circle or circle around the place where you plan to be sitting.

They could even sit in a straight line in front of your chair, with their backs to you.

They need to be positioned in a spot where you can see their screens and monitor their activity, making sure they are not goofing off or playing computer games.

If they are sitting on a low-backed couch that is not against the wall you can walk behind them and monitor their activity.

Teachers at public schools walk around frequently to monitor their student’s online habits.

There is nothing wrong with allowing your students to sit on the couch or on a comfy bean bag chair while studying.

In public school, children take turns on the bean bag chair or other special seats.

A child who has been particularly quiet and focused may be rewarded with the privilege of the bean bag chair.

The same principle can apply to homeschool.

Children who are paying attention and focusing can get more freedom in moving to comfy or fun seating arrangements.

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Best tips on how to set up a homeschool classroom – Small Tables And Chairs

Homeschool Small Tables and chairs

Another home school classroom organizational model includes multi-purpose tables and small tables.

Before you start spending money, see if you can use your dining table or breakfast room table or a reading nook with shelves.

You can buy tiny, lightweight camping tables on Amazon or at your local Walmart.

For example, multi-purpose tables provide an excellent option for homeschooling.

A center folding 6 – feet adjustable rectangular table that is waterproof, stainproof, scratch- and impact-resistant; ideal for indoor or outdoor use is a great option for any family.

These lightweight tables fold up into small, compact packs, which look like suitcases.

They can be easily stacked when not in use.

During the school day, you can set up a small table with a chair for each child.

Adjust the height of the table and ensure your kid is sitting in a comfortable chair.

Again, arrange the small tables in an arc or circle with the kids’ backs facing you so you can see their computer screens.

This way, if the students need help with an assignment, it will be easier for you to quickly check their screen.

Since most tables do not have an automatic pencil and supplies storage system, you will need to provide your own.

For very active and high-energy children, a seating alternative would be the flexible school chair like this.

You may also like the kid’s Stay-N-Play Children’s Balance Ball – Flexible School Chair.

A “balance ball flexible” homeschool chair has been proven to promote a healthy posture and mind.

It also improves focus and concentration.

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Homeschool Classroom Storage For Supplies

A plastic drinking cup is an excellent place to store pencils, markers, Expo markers, and erasers.

The unbreakable ones are the most durable.

A pencil case or pencil pouch will work equally well.

A marvelous idea for storage is a plastic storage tower.

These are clear plastic storage drawers that stack on top of one another.

Each child stores his or her own supplies in one drawer.

Think of these drawers as a replacement for a binder or cubby at school.

The child uses this space to store his or her notebooks for each subject area, pencil pouch or case, whiteboard, and markers.

He stows his textbooks if applicable, papers and projects, and any other items.

While seated at the table, a student can use any seating device you are willing to provide.

They can even stand if they would like to!

An ottoman can serve as a seat and storage for a host of other things, including toys.

Many kids find bouncy exercise balls a fun way to get out energy while sitting for a long period of time.

Dining Room Table And Shelf

Dining room & shelf
How you can use the dining room and shelf in your homeroom classroom

A more traditional method of homeschooling classroom organization includes everyone working together around the dining room table.

A large wooden shelf can store all the textbooks, notebooks, and supplies.

The shelf is divided into sections for each child.

A part of the shelf can be designated for the finished work to be turned in for grading.

Pencils and erasers can be stored in a separate drawer.

During the school day, kids can sit around the dining room table, working on their assignments.

Mom or tutor can walk around the table, monitoring kids’ work on paper or on the computer.

General Homeschool Classroom Supplies

Homeschool supplies

No matter what room arrangement you choose, it is important to equip your children with quality and needed supplies.

Shop all school supplies here, and all in-home learning furniture here.

Privacy boards are an important life hack that many parents forget or overlook.

These simple cardboard dividers help students remain focused on their own work.

It discourages distractions such as making faces and whispering to other students.

It also helps students by removing visual distractions in the room.

Buying simple dividers can be an excellent, simple, and cost-effective solution for the homeschool classroom.

Children will need many of the same basic utensils that they did in school.

Whiteboards, whiteboard markers, and whiteboard erasers are critical for working out sums or showing answers to teachers online.

Notepaper and pencils are also crucial for jotting notes or calculating math problems.

Plenty of high-quality pink erasers are vital for their erasing needs.

Whiteboard erasers can also be made out of old socks.

Mom and Dad home teachers will need similar supplies.

A small, portable dry erase board can be carried with you in a bag.

Keep a pencil pouch, dry erase marker, highlighter, notebook, pencils, and erasers in your bag as well.

The bag will provide convenient access to your supplies as you walk around to your children’s learning stations.

You can use the whiteboard to practice spelling words or demonstrate how to do a math problem.

Notebook paper can be used to write notes for your student to complete.

Sensory Breaks

Sensory exercise - homeschool supplies

Students of all ages perform better if they have frequent brain breaks and sensory breaks.

For kids with special learning difficulties, it is extra important to incorporate opportunities to move around and receive sensory input.

Therabands are relatively inexpensive options for kids who feel the need to constantly move around.

Therabands are stretchy resistance bands that can be placed around chair legs or table legs.

They provide your child with something to kick, push, pull, and interact with while they study.

Therabands helps children avoid constant bouncing, tapping, or frenetic movement.

Chewable jewelry is another way that children can get sensory input without even looking up from their work.

Chewable jewelry is also known as Chewelry.

Children can relieve their need to chew without destroying their pencils, jewelry, sleeves, and nails.

Chewelry looks like stylish pendants, but they are made of food-grade chewable material that is satisfying for nervous children with autism or other special chewing needs.

Fidget toys are also an important part of a student’s day, for the relief of stress and anxiety.

Especially with the anxiety around Coronavirus, pandemics, and school closures, students need a way to let out their anxiety in a healthy way.

From stress balls to fidget cubes, the internet has a plethora of interesting toys for students to fidget with while working.

Try a DNA squish stress ball, a pillow with sequins to stroke in different directions, or even a homemade glitter jar.

These items help kids relax while studying.

The student may seem distracted while they play with the toy, but they may actually be deep in thought.

Having your mind on neutral and thinking is an important part of creativity, learning, and growth.

Allow children to take breaks to do sensory activities.

Swinging, running around the yard, or doing heavy work will help children stay focused.

Heavy work includes carrying small boxes, vacuuming with kid’s size vacuum cleaners, or pushing a sibling on a swing.

Bouncing on an exercise ball is another example of a sensory break.

Brain Breaks

Whether or not a child has special needs, it’s important to give their brains time to rest and recharge.

Perhaps your child’s online school allows for breaks, or your class schedule is modeled with downtime.

It’s important to allow children to stretch, exercise, or relieve the stress of constant thinking.

GoNoodle is an important source of indoor brain breaks for kids.

Your child may already be familiar with GoNoodle because they use it at their school.

GoNoodle is full of movement videos and ideas in helping children calm down and release anxiety.

You can look online for a wide variety of kids’ exercise and movement videos that are great for five-minute breaks throughout the day.

Outdoor Recess

Relax and unwind

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At a public school, outdoor recess is nothing more than turning kids loose in a large, safe play area.

Kids organize their own games, such as soccer or basketball.

If you have a backyard playground or nearby park, this would be a great place to allow children to burn off some extra energy.

At school, kids usually go outside several times a day, even during winter.

Can you challenge your children to get moving and stay outside, tech-free, for the full 30-minute recess?

While you watch and monitor them, you will get some much-needed time to decompress and relax.

Sunshine in a natural environment is a very good anti-depressant and anxiety-reliever, so take advantage of the time to sit outside and watch your children.

Better yet, join in the fun!

Ultimate Tag is a game that children of all ages in elementary, middle, and high school can play.

Even mom can have fun! In this game, every person is “it.”

Running from everyone, while simultaneously trying to tag everyone, can provide plenty of laughter and exercise.

If a person is tagged, they sit down.

They can be freed only when the person who tagged them is caught.

Clothespin tag is a similar, energetic game.

Everyone receives a certain number of clothespins.

The goal is to run around and clip clothespins on one another’s clothes or hair.

Make sure to set boundaries about places where it is unacceptable to pin clothespins.

You try to get rid of your clothespins, but at the same time, your opponents are clipping lots of clothespins to you!

When the timer rings, the person with the fewest clothespins wins.

Hammocks can provide some form of relaxation at any time for both parents and the children.

Hammocks can be for indoor or outdoor use.

They come in different sizes and fabrics too.

Some are lightweight and can be taken anywhere, while some are strong enough to hold up to 450Ibs weight.

Other exercise and recreation options could be a trampoline, a bike, a jump rope.

Indoor Recess

On the days when rain, snow, or intense cold prohibit you from going outside during recess, you will need indoor recess ideas.

Again, children are not allowed to be on electronic devices during recess at many schools.

Indoor recess is a great opportunity to play board games.

Twister is a great way to stretch indoors and get the blood moving in weary, exhausted bodies.

Don’t worry if the indoor recess gets a bit wild and hectic.

The purpose is to move around! And also have some fun!

Can you create an obstacle course with chairs, carpet squares, blankets, and pillows?

Run around chairs, jump over laundry baskets, step by step on each carpet square, and fall into a bed of pillows at the end!

Setting up your homeschool classroom can seem daunting. But in reality, it can be fun, energizing, and inspiring!

You definitely need a real planner for your lessons and activities.

Your homeschool year can be a fun time to learn and grow with your children.

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An engaging classroom set up can help you stay organized and prepare you for a fantastic year.

Have fun setting up your children’s new learning environment!

Sending lots of love, blessings, and positivity from my home to yours!

Categories
Family Parenting

Empty Nest: How To Cope When Children Leave Home

Empty Nest - Intro picture

Empty Nest: How to Cope When Children Leave.

Surviving and thriving after children leave home can be a bittersweet moment.

Children are the most precious gifts of grace and jewels you will treasure forever.

Saying goodbye to a child who is leaving home is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences in a parent’s life.

It’s now time to Activate The Self Healing Process within you to get the right mindset for the new journey!

Years full of memories–snuggling your newborn child, placing a Band-aid on a sore knee, shuffling through school papers and agendas,

driving your child to events, or listening as your child poured out his heart–seem so tangible and so visceral—as if you could touch them.

Yet as you watch your child drive away for the last time, those memories and moments seem to slip through your fingers like water.

New York Best Selling author Max Lucado in “You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power” teaches you how to recognize that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever, alone.

I can vividly identify with the feelings of loneliness and despair a mother can experience when their children leave home.

Leaving home may not just be for college. It includes when they leave to settle maritally with their significant others or postings to faraway jobs.

My desire has always been for my children to succeed in everything and to fulfill their God-designed destinies according to Isiaih 8:18 that declares that I and the children God has given me are for signs and wonders – paraphrased.

I was happily looking forward to when my last child would leave for college.

I could not see the feeling of despair and anxiety that came over me weeks before the actual day he left coming.

Letting go and adjusting to my new norm was harder than I expected.

There were days that I was enveloped by desperate feelings of loneliness.

Other days I would be so anxious about his welfare that I would facetime him at 2 A.M or other odd hours of the day and night.

When we dropped him off at his college, 4 hours away from home, our hearts were gladdened and we could sense the feeling of independence he was feeling around him.

Actually, he couldn’t wait to leave for college! He had been held down too long by these “strict” parents!

It took me quite some time to adjust to the new environment without my son.

I would still call out his name to come to give me the remote, turn the outside lights on, get me this and that, only to realize that he wasn’t there.

How can it be possible that the child that you poured your life into for so many years is gone?

My friend, if you are experiencing an empty nest, let these words from Isaiah 4:10 comfort you and give you the encouragement and strength to move on.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

This article provides important keys to the empty nest: how to intentionally adjust to the new role when children leave.

These tips helped me a lot and I hope they help you too.

1. Remember the Past, But Don’t Try To Recreate It.

Empty Nest -Remember the past
When your child leaves home and you are experiencing empty nest syndrome, remembering the past can make it easier to bear.

During those sentimental days just after your child leaves home, his or her whole life seems to pass before your eyes.

The tears flow as you remember every moment of your little one’s entire growing up years.

Sure, it’s been years since mud puddles, hair bows, or baby bottles, yet suddenly the past returns with an immediacy that had been drowned by the daily grind of high school, and football/basketball/track/music practice.

Suddenly, you remember; you reminisce.

In “Release My Grip, ” by popular blogger Kami Gilmour, she offers inspiration and some practical insights as she reveals the personal surprising truth she learned while knee-deep in this sacred season of parenthood.

You wish that you had treasured the memories more.
And you want to recreate them.

The important thing to remember is that your child isn’t dwelling on all the memories.

He or she is launching in excitement towards their future, or they are worried about the new environment, college, studying, textbooks, and friends.

As you ponder the past, don’t try to cling to it.

Keep your eyes on your child as he or she is right now, this minute.

What are her needs as she faces the future?

How can you thank God for the past and pray for his or her needs today?

Focus on the new prayer needs and intercede for them more.

Focus on parenting your adult child/children without losing your mind.

2. Lament And Let Go.

Lament and go - empty nest
Healthy grieving is an important part of saying goodbye to your children.

Rather than stuffing down your feelings of sadness, recognize that you sacrificed, loved, and invested for more than 17 to 18 years as you raised this child.

Your life is undergoing a major change, so don’t dismiss the pain you feel.

Take your time.

Start your day, every day on a positive note.

Cry, journal, drink herbal organic teas, talk to a friend, and acknowledge the losses.

A journal like, “Empty Nest, Full Life Journal,” designed with ample space for writing or drawing, will help you slow down, reflect, and record your thoughts as you work through the book.

The full book, “Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next” teaches you what you need to let go of and hold on to and offers encouragement for when you’re feeling confused and discouraged.

Proactively indulge in self-care practices to better take care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental health.

Essential oils are very popular now and have uncountable uses.

I personally like them in a diffuser for aromatherapy.

Another alternative use for essential oil aromatherapy is the SOOTHING AROMATHERAPY PLUSH WRAP:            Sources say they relieve muscle pain & tension & promote relaxation.

This hot & cold plush wrap envelops your shoulders & neck for a customized fit adaptable to any body type.

Depending on how I feel on a particular day, I can use essential oils topically with a carrier to relieve tension and for relaxation.

Jeramy and Jerusha Clark help put your losses in words: “Loss of closeness, loss of ‘being needed,’ loss of control, loss of confidence.

You may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing.

That’s ok.

Grieve the loss of confidence and gear up for the learning curve.

God promises that you’re not alone in this; he will strengthen you and help you; he will uphold you with His victorious right hand.”

When you name your losses and take time to grieve, it will enable you to let go in a healthy way, so you don’t overburden your child with your pain.

If you fail to see the importance of lament, you will be more likely to pressure your adult child and drag him or her into your complex grief process.

It’s easy to want to hold on to your children.

Wishing you could make up for your past mistakes or have just one more breakfast together, you want to pull your child closer.

But this is the time to let go.

Take the time to grieve by yourself, with God, or with your spouse, friend, or your pastor, so that you don’t feel tempted to use your grief to manipulate your child.

3. Believe, Don’t Burden.

Believe - Empty nest
Speak words of honor to your adult child. Pray for them more and trust that they will be sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit and to hearing from God.

Rather than burdening him or her with your own expectations and dreams for them, affirm the person that God created your son or daughter to be.

Make sure your child knows that you are proud of him or her.

Speak words that lift them up.

At this point in their lives and during my personal moments of despair, I had to come to the realization that my job is to pray to Almighty God and God’s work is to answer. That right there gave me peace!

If your child is showing initiative and growth, let them know you respect their hard work.

When your son or daughter works on building friendships with fellow students in the dorm, share, “I am in awe of the way you are showing kindness and reaching out to your new friends. You are a loyal and caring person. Way to go!”

Let them know that you admire the man or woman that they are becoming.

Even when they hold opinions that you disagree with, Emerson Eggerichs in “Love and Respect in the Family: The Respect Parents Desire; The Love Children Need” recommends saying the following:

“I respect that you are seriously thinking about this problem and feel strongly about the remedy.”

Listen to your child and admire their deep thoughts, their attempts to connect with others, their steps towards diligence, and other things.

Often, words of encouragement go a lot farther than words of rebuke.

Even when you must offer correction to your child, do so in a way that affirms your belief in the adult they will become.

Eggerichs recommends something like the following: “I believe in you. Because I believe in you and the man you are becoming, my role is to help you to be a self-disciplined man of honor,” and then going on to share the gentle rebuke.

Words of support help your adult child understand that you are cheering them on, even if they don’t fulfill your own personal expectations and career goals.

4. Support With No Strings Attached.

Strings attached - Empty Nest

When you find yourself in an empty nest, it’s difficult to let go.

You have to understand who your child has become and how the parenting technique must change too.

In addition to sharing words of honor, it’s important to support your child emotionally.

Be there for them.

Make sure they know that you will always be a listening ear and a source of encouragement to them.

Send them open-ended texts that don’t demand a reply.

Surprise your child with care packages often. I did initially and still do!

Share fun facts you learned, interesting things that happened in your day, or something you are praying for in your child’s day to day life.

Ask yourself a hard question: “Deep down, is the purpose of this message to get a response, a reply, a visit, or an affirmation of love?

Or is it to show unconditional support for my child?”

Kids can often read our motives.

When we manipulate to try to get a response, a reply, or a visit, kids often feel frustrated and shamed.

Instead, speak words of encouragement that let your child see your love, your respect, and your hope in their future.

But don’t try to pressure them into seeing you or meeting your own personal needs.

5. Find New Ways to Meet Your Own Personal Needs.

Find new ways
Speaking of getting your own needs met, you will need to find other avenues to finding fun and satisfaction.

When you used to turn to your child for companionship, diversion, busyness, or relief from loneliness, you will now have to find other people to turn to.

This is a great time to spend extra time with God.

If you are married, spend more time with your spouse.

Find friends to hang out with, perhaps other empty nesters who are feeling a bit at loose ends.

You can also start small scale gardening.

This is one of the ways I occupied myself during those times I would normally spend with my son.

Some of my organically homegrown herbs and vegetables include bitter leaf, saint leaf, kale, varieties of peppers, tomatoes, and aloe vera.

Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is an indigenous African shrub or small tree with studies that claim many health benefits.

They now come in these forms:

Capsules

Dried leaves, and

Herbal tea

According to a publication in PMC – US National Library of Medicine. “Many herbalists in  Africa recommend its aqueous extracts for their patients as a treatment for varieties of ailments ranging from emesis, nausea, diabetes, loss of appetite, dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract problems to sexually transmitted diseases and diabetes mellitus among others [22] (Figure 1). Some of these and other uses have been verified experimentally and documented by various workers, thus providing scientific evidence to support many of these claimed health benefits [6,10,14,22–32].”

There are other ways to survive and thrive in your empty nest.

A job, a new hobby, or a volunteer opportunity at your church or in the community.

These can be great ways to occupy yourself and meet your need for significance and service.

Be OK with going to your child’s favorite store, coffee shop, or entertainment venue—by yourself or with a friend.

You could even text your child photos!

Another thing that helped me a lot was Face timing. My son made it a point of duty up to this day to facetime every day.

Even though he has left home, the bond is still strong.

Although it will certainly take a while, learn to be ok on your own.

If intense grief has been going on for a very long time and you can’t seem to find your identity apart from your child, feel free to find a therapist to help you with complicated grief.

6. Allow Change In The Relationship And Devote Time to Other Relationships

Change in the relationship
There’s no denying it: saying goodbye to kids hurt, and it changes things forever.

Even though you will be able to repeat some of your favorite activities, things will never be the same.

You will likely still enjoy a rich relationship with your child; you will likely get to repeat all the fun things you are longing to do: sitting and talking, going to coffee, celebrating Christmas traditions, or even performing simple tasks like ironing your son’s shirt.

Though the memories and traditions will still be there, it’s important to let go of your hope that you will be able to recreate the old days and bring back the past.

Acknowledge to yourself that things will never be the same.

If you are married, concentrate on rebuilding your marriage or rekindling your marriage relationship with HappiNest: Finding Fulfillment When Your Kids Leave.

Commit to starting to do those things you couldn’t do because of parenting obligations.

Reconnect with old friends – good positive friends that can build you up and explore volunteering opportunities at your local church and in the community.

Letting go of the past and of the elusive “same” that you’re hoping for is hard.

It feels like another death.

When you are able to let go of things being the “same,” you will be more open to treasuring the moments that do remind you of the old days.

Michael Anderson, in his book, Gist, explains that parental love must change over the years.

He says, “In every relationship and aspect of life, love must evolve to survive.

Bringing this child home must evolve into sending that child into the world.

Potential must evolve into limitations.

Hope must evolve into disappointment.

Perfection must evolve into reality and failure. …Our love as parents must evolve.

It might even need to evolve from a ‘would never hurt’ love into a ‘need to allow hurt’ love.”

Letting your child go certainly hurts, and your relationship with your child will never be the same.

Open yourself up to the fact that beautiful things lie ahead—even if they are not exactly like the beautiful things that lay in the past.

7. Influence, But Don’t Insist.

Influence
As parents, we feel like we know what is best for our children.

After all, when they were small, we regulated every aspect of their lives.

From the clothes they wore to the food they ate, we provided for them with wisdom and discretion.

We made decisions about their schooling, their healthcare, their nutrition, their technology, and their learning.

Now, you will likely see your child making choices that are different than the ones you would have made.

It’s easy to want to jump in and control the situation like you did when your child was a toddler.

However, Jeramy and Jerush Clark ask a probing question that reminds us of our true priorities: “What does forcing your agenda ultimately accomplish?”

Even when children are younger, it’s impossible to truly control them.

Clarks continues, “Despite daily evidence that we can’t control our kids, many of us cling to the illusion that we can protect them from doing something foolish, something hurtful, something that will seriously damage their future opportunities.”

Rather than forcing children to be what you had hoped and envisioned, try to see your child for who they really are: a person of dignity created by God.

Slow down long enough to really understand the beauty and complexity of your adult child.

Rather than controlling, learn to accept your child as he or she really is, even if it hurts (from Youtube video, Risky Relationships: Replacing Remote Control with Real Connection).

Recognize the role changes that the empty nest has brought and learn to gradually adjust.

8. Rely on God for Strength And Focus on Yourself

Rely on God for strength -empty nest
Saying goodbye to kids is not easy.

You may wonder how you will survive your empty nest when children leave home.

The empty nest may seem overwhelming and unbearable sometimes. The word of God brings peace that surpasses understanding

Jerusha Clark gives these timely words of encouragement: “Now is the time to pay close attention to your own heart and mind…

The Holy Spirit can give you wisdom and insight, consolation, and strength.

You need those things, and you cannot manufacture them on your own.”

The empty nest may seem like it carves an emptiness in your soul that goes to your very core.

Saying goodbye to your kids leaves a void that only the Lord can fill.

But, you have to accept your child’s independence and encourage them to succeed.

The Lord offers His comforting fullness as a balm to your emptiness.

When you are weak, God comes near to help and support.

For those who feel that they cannot go on today, I pray the words of Ephesians 3:16-21:

“I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Did you catch that? He can fill you with His fullness.

And he finishes up the verse with a promise:

“Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine,

according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Saying goodbye to children moving away is no easy task. It’s not for the faint of heart.

But with God’s grace, you can make a slow and healthy adjustment.

As you learn how to survive when children leave home, you will begin to see the beauty of your new life.

With God’s grace and consistent support, you can have hope in your revamped empty nest.

Sending lots of love, blessings, and positivity your way:)

 

 

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Dating Family INSPIRATION Marriage Newlyweds Relationships

Best Uplifting Quotes To Brighten Your Day

Sometimes, you may find you need some uplifting words that can brighten your day.

You may need reflective words or words of wisdom – an uplifting quote that can bring about a much-needed change or pull you in a better and more positive direction.

Find a comfortable spot like this to reflect on these words.

You may also like the 4 Sentence Prayer That Instantly Grants Your Heart’s Fiercest Desires.

Words are powerful.

An uplifting quote can serve as a guiding light to self-enlightenment and productivity.

Well-articulated quotes can kindle fresh determination, inspiration and hope. They can trigger new perspectives and bring relief.

Here are some of my favorite uplifting and motivational quotes.

There are some that are specific for marriage relationships and they have a by them.

Here’s a link to a must-have book for all married couples.

There are specific and focused quotes towards the end for husbands and wives. You can’t miss those!

I’ll continue to update this list as I find more inspiration, so please keep checking back for more uplifting quotes!

If any of these quotes have blessed you in any way, please do not hesitate to share them with your friends and family.

You may also like the best reasons why we should always pray.

Maybe you can be an instrument the Lord will use today to pass on a smile to somebody, change an attitude, or simply make the day better for someone.

Please share with me in the comments section at the end of the page what your favorite uplifting quote is!

You may also like tips on how to live intentionally every day.

It is my prayer that they would help you in a remarkable way along your journey to better relationship experiences and to encourage you to stay sensitive and intentional.

Here we go, the best uplifting inspirational quotes to brighten your day.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -Frederick Keonig

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”  Helen Keller

“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” -Andre Maurois

“The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It’s a choice you make – not just on your wedding day, but over and over again – and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife.” -Barbara De Angelis

You may also like the best Christian marriage advice for newlyweds – 31 best tips.

“Kindness has no religion. Religions are like narrow tracks, but kindness is like an open sky.” – Amit Ray 

“Every morning when I get up, I ask God what he wants me to do, ask Him to lead me to the right people to help them.”– Richard Simmons

“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.” – David G. Allen

“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” – Martin Luther

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1st. Corinthians 13; 3-7 NLT

“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose” – Bill Gates

Powerful monthly Biblical affirmations for courageous faith is another resource that elevates the spirit daily. Check it out.

“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses.”  – Lao Tzu

“When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?”  -Thich Nhat Hanh

  • “If love cannot stand the test of time, then it has failed the test of love.” – Bernard Byer

  • “What I write comes from a place of deep love, and a deep understanding of all kinds of otherness.” – Jacqueline Woodson

  • “Love is not finding someone to live with. It’s finding someone you can’t live without.” – Rafael Ortiz 

  • “When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, He’s offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person’s life. You must learn to follow that love. Don’t ignore it. Act on it. Somebody needs what you have.”― Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full PotentialBEST PREPARATION INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE” True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart.”   -Honore de Balzac

  • “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down”.      – Oprah Winfrey

  • “Love is begun by time, And time qualifies the spark and fire of it.”        – Shakespeare

  • “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”  – Henry Ford

  • “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.”                     -Leo Tolstoy

  • “When you face adversity, you need to remind yourself that whatever is trying to defeat you could very well be what God will use to promote you.” ― Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

  • “Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.” Erica Jong

  • “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

  • Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife.” – Dave Willis

  • Marriage is sharing your life with your best friend, enjoying the journey along the way, and arriving at every destination together            –  Fawn Weaver

  • You may also like the 12 best secrets to a long-lasting relationship.

  • “Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out. Live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment. It’s good to have a big–picture outlook, to set goals, to establish budgets, and make plans, but if you’re always living in the future, you’re never really enjoying the present in the way God wants you to.”― Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.

  • “A marriage cannot survive when we think only of ourselves. We need to recognize that to love someone is a choice, not a feeling.                  – Christin Slade

  • Boastfullness quote
  • “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22

  • “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 NKJV

  • “Words are powerful, speak wisely.” – Unknown

  • “Think before you speak. In the heat of the moment. It’s easy to say something you’ll later regret.” – Dr. Anil Kumar Sinha

  • “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”          – 1 John 4:11 NKJV 

  • “Your desire to succeed should be driven by the need to fulfill your God-given purpose and not attract the praise of men.” Tolu Thomy

  • “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”  – Brene Brown

  •  “Let your past make you better, not bitter.” -Unknown

  • “When couples focus on remaining two while God is seeking to create oneness in them, they are inadvertently working against His purpose.” – Dr. Tony Evans

  • Paul Enenche - Inspirational quotes“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • “Words travel far more than we can ever reach across hearts and live longer than we can ever live on earth and as such, should be spoken with a lot of goodness in them.”   – Terry Mark

  • “Be sure to taste all of your words before you spit them out.” – Unknown

  • “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”         –  Napoleon Hill

  • “Purpose is that power that will propel you to get out of bed in the morning and push you to make your dreams come true.”  – Unknown

  • “Never underestimate the power to change you.”  – Walter Ngele

  • I have known many happy marriages, but never a compatible one. The whole aim of marriage is to fight through and survive the instant when incompatibility becomes unquestionable.” – G.K. Chesterton

  • “Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce.”     — Spurgeon

  • Truth carries a weight - Pastor John Hagee“The truth carries a weight that no lie can counterfeit.” John Hagee

  • “Today, if you are feeling overwhelmed, Jesus Christ is the rock who is high above your circumstance.”  – Joel Osteen

  • “Righteous bumper provides motivation to push through difficulties.”      – Dr. Charles Stanley

  • “Attacking the successful does not delete your failure.”                         – Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche

  • “Time changes, but truth never change.” – Unknown

  • “Children of today, there’s no benefit in rebellion.”                                    – Dr. Pastor Paul Eneche

  • “Favor is the secret to uncommon blessings. Favor is the difference between your present and your future.”                                                – Prophet Nanasei Sarkodie

  • “No matter what the matter is, you will matter when it matters most.” – Dr. Chris Okafor

  • “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all play and no work makes Jack a poor boy.” -Unknown

  • “Dwelling on negative thoughts is like fertilizing weeds.”                        Normal Vincent Peale

  • “When you appreciate the insignificant, you attract the significant.”        – Skip Prichard

  • “Stop being jealous of people in their winning season. You don’t know what they lost in their losing season.”  – Unknown

  • “Failure in education is not a failure in life. Failure is by determination.” –  Unknown

  • “What you believe is what you become.” – Unknown

  • Where you go, I’ll go, where you stay, I’ll stay. – Ruth 1:16

  • The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8

  • “We are most grateful for life’s mountain tops when we have experienced life’s valleys” – Skip Prichard

  • “I want peace, happiness, not only for myself, for everybody.” – Fela Kuti

  • “It is better to be a fool for Christ than a hero for the world for the times of the world will pass away, but the blessings of Christ will endure forever.” – Pastor John Hagee

  • “You are creative, you are alive, you are the stuff life is made of. What else could possibly matter?” – Iyanla Vanzant

  • “Don’t you dare allow personal fear to limit what God will do in your life.” – Pastor Mathew Hagee

  • “What makes a marriage strong is loving with a biblical love grounded in patience, kindness, loyalty, grace, and more, which is in alignment with God’s covenantal purpose for marriage“. – Dr. Tony Evans

  • Five Daily Reminders: 1. You only fail if you quit 2. Everyone’s journey is different 3. Things always get better with time. 4. The past cannot be changed 5. Happiness is found within” – Unknown

  • “The man who is powerful FEARS nothing; not even God. The powerful man loves God, but FEARS him never! Enduring power never grows out of FEAR. Any power that is built upon FEAR is bound to crumble and disintegrate. Understand this great truth and you will never be so unfortunate as to raise yourself to power through the FEARS of other people who may owe you temporary allegiance.”     – Napoleon Hill

  • “Nothing works unless it originates from God.”– Unknown

Biblical quotes

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning, and unquenchable.” – Bruce Lee

“Life is about keys when you have a key, you don’t knock, you open the door.”  – Archbishop Nick Duncan-Williams

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

  • “If you can’t do anything about it, then let it go. Don’t be a prisoner to things you can’t change.”                     – Tony Gaskins

  • “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile”      – Max Lucado

  • You may also like the best marriage advice for newlyweds – 31 tips.

  • “God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go.” – Dr. Tony Evans

  • “Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth.– Lysa Terkeurst

  • “If you can’t fly, then run, If you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

  • “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan

  • You may also like the 4 Sentence Prayer That Instantly Grants Your Heart’s Fiercest Desires.

  • “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” – Billy Graham

  • “There is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. Your future matters more than your past.” – Max Lucado

  • “Your potential is the sum of all the possibilities God has for your life.” – Charles Stanley

  • “The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life, the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm.” – Matt Chandler

  • “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; and, he will exult over you with loud singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17

  • “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”                       – Deuteronomy 31:6

  • You may also like tips on how to intentionally pray for and with your children.

  • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

  • “God is love. He didn’t need us. But he wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.” – Rick Warren

  • “Christian marriage does not exist for the benefit of the two people in the marriage; it is for the benefit of the world, that God would be glorified in it. The main purpose of marriage is not the enjoyment of the two people who are married, the main purpose of marriage is to glorify Christ as we participate in the mission of God.” -Tim Suttle

Biblical Caution

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4 NLT

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2 NLT

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” – Proverbs 22: 24-25 NLT

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it. – William Ward 

“The opposite of love is not hatred; it’s indifference.”    -Elie Wiesel          

For Husbands

The Christlike husband is not supposed to be mean, harsh, provoke, or ill-treat their wives.

They are to love their wives as they love their own bodies. Would anyone ever harm their own bodies?

Be patient with your wife. Women go through some emotions that are peculiar to them, sometimes we do not understand it ourselves.

As her first responder, instead of being nonchalant, be kind and understanding. It takes very little or few gestures to please a woman.

You will progress more if your wife is 100% on your team. You are the head of the household, stay proactive, focused, and intentional, and do all you can to keep your home moving in the right direction.

If you become passive and the wife takes over, please don’t complain and call her liberated and disrespectful.

You cannot hold your wife to a standard or accountability that you will not hold yourself to as well.

Blessings to you, the great man of valor!

Re-enact long relationship Uplifting quotes

“In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”                  – Ephesians 5:28 NIV

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19 NIV

Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives,  and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”            – 1 Peter 3:7 NIV

 “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17

“Home is where everyone comes for respite and rest, but if a home environment does not provide the love that children need, then they will seek it elsewhere. Nicoline Ambe, Being Dad

You may also like the 4 Sentence Prayer That Instantly Grants Your Heart’s Fiercest Desires.


For Wives

The kingdom wife is supposed to respect (reverence) their husband.

They are expected to control their emotions and not nag, belittle, insult, talk negatively or gossip about their husbands, or bring them shame by the way they live at home or in the community.

Some men like to be respected for their intelligence and physical strength.

Some women look at it as “ego.”

Hey ladies, if all it takes for him to be the kingdom man you want is to respect his intelligence and physical strength and boost his ego from time to time? Please, by all means, do it! 

Wedding - Uplifting quotes

You may also like12 Best Secrets to a long-lasting relationship.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. – Ephesians 5:33 NIV

I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.” – Roy Croft

“Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”  Proverbs 31:11-12 NLT

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”   – Proverbs 31:26-27 NIV 

“Compassion is like a mother giving love to her children. Mother’s ways are higher than others, even when everyone rejects, mother accepts with her arms open and wide.”         -Amit Ray

“When I am frustrated with my husband and feel like giving up on us, I have two choices. One: I can choose love and work on my marriage or, two: I can choose to love and work on my marriage.” -Darlene Schacht

“For our home to be a refuge it needs to be a place where love, compassion, and patience prevail.” Allan Lokos, Patience: The Art of Peaceful Living

Inspirational quotes -wives

Encouragement

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?                       – Ecclesiastes 4:11

“You don’t fall into love. You commit to it. Love is saying ‘I will be there no matter what.’” -Tim Keller

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.– 1 Thessalonians 5:11   

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.  – Matthew 18:20

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. 
– Proverbs 27:17

“Conflicts are not a sign you’ve married the wrong person. They simply affirm you are human.” -Dr. Gary Chapman

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.    – Hebrews 10:24-25

“Your mind is the only thing you can control exclusively. Don’t give it away too freely through useless arguments.”     – Napoleon Hill

“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism.”         – Oprah Winfrey

“Love is supposed to be based on trust, and trust on love, it’s something rare and beautiful when people can confide in each other without fearing what the other person will think.” – E.A. Bucchianeri 

“And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  -1 Corinthians 13:13

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share? Please let me know in the comments.

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Sending lots of Blessings, Love  & Positivity your Way…………♥