Sometimes being a homeschool mom just flat out sucks. Lately, those “sometimes” have turned into “a lot of times.” Willpower out the window, our days quickly fill with tension and grumpy-pants instead of laughter and learning. Hey, we’re only human, right? Dealing with a struggling reader can suck the fun out of your day faster than anything!

Picture this: We’re cuddled up on the couch with a snuggly blanket,  the warmth of a wood fire fighting off the early morning chill. My 8 year old has grabbed her current reading book and is resting her head on my shoulder, seemingly without a care in the world. We’re back in the same spot again, though. The same place as yesterday and also the day before. Comfortable, cozy and stubborn as a mule. Instead of diving into her book, she sits and stares blankly at the pages, hoping to stall long enough that I will forget that she is supposed to be reading aloud to me.

There are hundreds of things my little lady is amazing at doing, but reading isn’t one of them. She knows how to read, she just doesn’t enjoy it. Growing up in the shadows of her bookworm sister probably doesn’t help much, either. And let’s be honest, most people don’t enjoy doing things they aren’t good at.   After all, who likes to struggle and fail, time and time again? Certainly not me! So when my 8 year old stalls and runs with any opportunity to distract me, I know it’s time to shake some things up.