This post is not meant to cause a debate; just thoughtful discussion and pondering. Whether you home educate, send your child to private school or public school, that is up to you as the parent. No judgement. Much love. Parenting is hard – period, without all the judgmental glances and you really should do it this way looks we all too often receive.
To The Home Educator Parent
Maybe you feel pressure today? When your house seems chaotic and your kitchen table is covered with maps, and books, and spilled coffee… maybe you are tempted in your mind to retreat? Can I tell you something? You are doing a fabulous job! There will be days where everything goes smoothly, and everyone does their math homework with a smile. There are other days when everywhere you turn, there seems to be a battle. That’s just a part of life. If God has called you to this ministry, He will give you the strength and endurance and joy to press on. This is a worthy calling. Anytime we say yes to God, we will be blessed. So don’t listen to the lies in your head that tell you that you are a failure. You are most certainly not. You just have bad days, and that is okay. Pray continually for God’s wisdom.
To The Private School Parent
You sit down to count the cost. You scan your bills and wonder if private school fees are really worth it. Remember, you chose this route of schooling for a reason. Stay engaged with your children and get involved when you can in school activities. You are doing a fabulous job! Don’t listen to the negative comments you may often get for sending your children to school instead of what others think your children need. You know, better than anyone else, what your children need. Trust that Mama intuition. Seek God continually for His strength and power.
To The Public School Parent
Maybe, from time to time, you wonder if you are doing the right thing? After all, if you had your children with you all the time, wouldn’t that be better for them? Or maybe you contemplate sending them to private school, thinking that they’d have a more godly environment? Remember one thing… you didn’t make this decision lightly. You love your children and want what’s best for them. You have them there for a reason, and your reasons are good enough. No one else needs to persuade you to go a more godly route. The most godly route is the one that responds in obedience to God’s will. God’s will for my life and my children may look nothing like His will for your family. That’s okay!
If every parent chooses to home educate, who will evangelize the public schools? Who will show Christ to the other students and faculty? Who will witness of God’s goodness in their essay papers and tell their life story to the public school?
Your Most Important Role
No matter which direction you go with regard to education, the most important role you have in your children’s life is being an involved parent. Love your kids well today. Put aside the guilt. God never wanted you to carry this guilt and shame you wear. Keep doing your very best. Pray for your children. Listen to them intentionally. Love them unconditionally.
