Starting School All There Is?

Here we are at the beginning of September and into the school year. Rather your kids are going somewhere for school or sitting at the dining room table, we all want the same thing as momma’s. It’s an emotional mix of wanting them to learn, find meaningful friendship, or fulfilling activities. Ultimately don’t we just want to help them become valuable members of society?

The focus has shifted in the past few years for me of what that journey looks like for my kids. There would’ve been a time where I would have answered most questions about the school year with something along the lines of, “academics are the most important.” My perspective has shifted to a more spiritual, relationships, and critical thinking skills focus. Yes, it’s still important that they learn Math, English, Science, etc. But I believe now that those things are easier to learn than how to walk with God, how to have healthy relationships and understand oneself, and how to think through a situation with commonsense and reasonableness. This change in perspective has come from the drastic changes I see in society and reading the needs of my own children.

I recently watched a podcast episode from one of my favorites, Alex Clark, and the point that I think a mom could walk away with is that we need to be the experts to our children. I’ll link the YouTube discussion below for those who would like to check out the entire episode.

Momma’s, it’s time to be the expert our children need. What is your child struggling with? What do you see changing in their world, about their personality or attitude, and in their friendships? Do they come to you when they need advice? Who do they go to? Where do they look for answers to tough questions? Can you answer these questions? 

I encourage you this week to get to know your children on an individual level. Don’t assume they are all the same or that they are doing well in school so they must not be struggling with anything. Maybe there’s a topic that would be important to add to what they are currently learning or a life skill they need to be shown. Take the time to pray asking God to show you where you can help them. 

They will learn lots of things this year. Let us be sure those studies are robust and lifegiving. 

Alex Clark - The Spillover | “DEBATE: Two Christian Moms On Public vs Homeschool.” - Heidi St. John & Katy Faust