We all have our Facebooks and Instagrams covered with back to school pictures of our friends and family and I love it. I love seeing the kids excited faces and their eagerness to learn new things. As a teacher I know this doesn't last all school year but at the beginning of the year the kids are always excited for new adventures. With all the happiness I see in all these pictures it also brings up fears in my mind. Am I doing the right thing?
Some of the pictures are public school pictures, some private school pictures with their cute uniforms, or homeschool pictures. This is my 3rd year having to make the final decision for my children on what is next for them in their education and it's scary.
The first year it was an easy decision; send Adasen to all day preschool, nope. The next year was the hardest. Should I send Adasen to school or homeschool him? And we ended up with public schooling, which I loved that decision for last year (although I was a MESS the first week). And then we have this year, I've decided to keep him in public school because he really loves it.
When I first saw the school pictures for this year, my mind started racing again. "I haven't made the right decision." "I'm not doing the best thing for him." "I would love to have him home and teach him." So many different emotions go through my head and so many doubts. But I've finally calmed myself down and talked myself through it and I just wanted to share a few of my thoughts to help other parents who might be feeling overwhelmed by if they are doing the right thing or not.
1. It's the best thing. Whatever you choose is going to be the best thing. As a parent I don't sit back and let my decision run my life. I can always decide to change my mind and come to a different conclusion. If what I choose in the beginning is not working then I will change the environment that he is in. And no matter what the situation we will always make the best of it.
2. I turned out fine. I know that sounds cliché, but it's the truth for me. I went to public school growing up and I'm so glad that my mom didn't choose something else for my life. I loved going to school and meeting all the people I did. Some of my favorite memories are from school times.
3. He will learn. No matter where Adasen is he will learn. You know why, because I will make sure that he does. And if he's not flourishing then I will change his surroundings.
4. He will thrive. One of the things that I hope to instill in my kids is that you can bloom where you're planted. You can be the best you no matter what the circumstance. If you want to be better then do better. My kids know that they have to be actively trying to thrive not just sitting back and let bad things happen. Adasen will learn new ways to get by on his own and he will learn how to thrive in any situation.
5. He will still learn about God. No matter what God is the center of our lives and there is nothing that could ever change that. Our home will never change because I send him out into the world. Our home will always be centered around Christ. We will still sing together, we will still read together, and I will keep living my life for God and Adasen will see my example.
Let's all stop shaming each other. Let's stop talking badly about others decisions about their families. Stop assuming the worst about people and assume the best. Once we all do this together and decide we are all together in raising up a new generation then we will all stop second guessing our decisions and just go with it. Raise your kids your way and roll with it, but never be unwilling to change your decisions.
Ashley
