This type of instruction is given in airplanes across the globe. The theory is that a calm and breathing parent will be better equipped to assist and comfort a frightened child. Yet how many of us would honestly heed this advice? How many of us can consciously place our own needs before those of our child?

As mothers, and particularly homeschooling mothers, we tend to put our children first. Let's face it, homeschooling requires sacrifice. We give up our time, our freedom, and to a large extent our own career desires. While our peers are off working, shopping, or meeting for lunch, we are home teaching our children. They attend aerobics; we chase toddlers. They search for the perfect outfit; we hunt for lost shoes. In many ways, sacrifice simply goes with the territory. To write lesson plans, we give up sleep. To purchase quality textbooks, we go without expensive treats. To spend time with our children, we give up time by ourselves. For many homeschoolers, the notion of putting ourselves first is simply absurd. For nearly 10 years, I agreed. My children came first - no question. I taught them, nurtured them, and put their every need before my own. But eventually, I had nothing left to give. That year all three of my children attended a private Christian school. In my mind, I had failed both as a mother and a wife. For months, I was miserable. Then it occurred to me that I had simply given too much. I had tried too hard. My true failure was in loving my children more than myself. With the help of some wonderful books and the support of my husband, I set out to homeschool again. This time, however, I vowed to take care of myself. I have learned the hard way to protect my emotional and physical health. In essence, I have learned to ensure that my own oxygen mask is firmly in place. The tips in this section can help you to do the same. I encourage you to read and reread them frequently. Take advantage of as many as possible. Give yourself permission to focus on you. Take care of yourself. Make time for yourself. For you are the best gift you can give your children.

Remember: you simply cannot give what you don't have.