Crazy Colby jump
Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Minute Maid and DiMe Media.  All opinions are my own.

Are your kids back in class? It’s that time of year and, from my Facebook feed, kids are heading back to school all across the country! For us, since we homeschool, we start after Labor Day. We fit in as much summer as we go and use these last few weeks to prepare our curriculum for the next year. As a family, we have been homeschooling for 13 years now. Two have graduated and we have 3 more to go. Last year, Colby took over the main job of supervising the girls’ studies. It was a challenge but they did it. He did it. And he did much better than he thinks he did.

Crazy Colby jump

Doing Better Than You Think

As a parent, we often think we are not doing all that we should be doing. We may feel as though we’ve missed the mark somewhere along the way. Parenting is a tough job. We have the pressures and demands of the “adult world” they never seem to go away… in addition to the needs of our family. Spending time with the kids is essential, and taking care of their needs is a must. Finding a happy balance between the two can be stressful at times. I am sure we can all use a pat on the back when things actually run smoothly and go well.

Teaching Dad to Braid with Goody Hair Products

But, even in those times when we struggle, we still deserve a hand on the shoulder telling us we’re Doin’ Good. As we head into the new school year, I want to make sure I tell Colby that he’s doing great! He was thrown into new territory last year as I became more involved in work and he took over the teaching. I reminded him often that things were going well and his challenges were normal. Things would progress as the school year went on. And they did. Yet I worry I didn’t tell him enough… Hey, Colby, you’re Doin’ Good!

kisses from Daddy

This year, before we even get started, I will make sure he knows he rocked the teacher role. I should also reiterate that I could not have picked a better man to be the father of my children. He loves them each with every ounce of his heart. Unconditionally. He does his very best. Prays over them. Weeps when they weep and laughs when they laugh. Colby is sensitive and nurturing in areas in which I am lacking. Together we do our best raising our kids and hope that, in the end, they turn out pretty good. I guess as parents that’s all we can do… our best!

Homeschool High School graduation

Minute Maid‘s “Doin’ Good” campaign is about celebrating moms and dads who are actually doing better than they think. It’s about making the most of the time we spend with our kids, as well as making the best of some of the more challenging moments as parents. Plus, it’s also about recognizing other parents – a friend, sibling or other relative – for the great job they are doing.

We want to hear from you! Who do you know that is doing a better job as a parent than he/she might think?

Tell us who you think deserves to know they are doing a good job in the comments of the Facebook post below.