For the record, I am a homeschool mom. So I’ve been around the block a few times.
Also for the record, I have a special needs kid in the public school as well. After homeschooling our adopted daughter, Anah, for five years, my husband and I decided to delegate this part of her life to others — for her good… and our sanity.
So now, in this season, I’m finding myself delegated back with this responsibility — emails, chats, appointments, new platforms…it’s overwhelming!
And right now, I’m not sure I can handle more.
If you’re in that boat, here are three R’s that have helped me navigate these waters.
1. Remember your primary goal as a parent is to shepherd your children’s hearts (Prov. 22:6)
It is not to check off boxes or complete assignments. Let’s not be guilty of successfully finishing the teacher’s work but failing to train our children in what is important for eternity.
2. Recognize that a good education is not merely academics
Learning to do math, write an essay, or evaluate a hypothesis is important but in the long run, a real education results in love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1:5) A good family read-aloud with a thoughtful discussion (literature), a hymn-sing with the Gettys (music class!), kicking the ball outdoors (PE) or learning to cook a meal (home economics) can all be viewed as part of a balanced education. If you do these activities as a family, your kids also practice relational skills. You’re probably doing a lot more school than you think!
3. Renegotiate with your child’s teacher, if needed, to keep first things first for your family
For us, trying to do the work of a teacher and three specialists is not feasible. But I could commit to sitting down with my daughter for an hour a day to work towards her academic goals. When I shared this with her teacher, I was pleasantly surprised at her positive response and affirmation. Given the times, I suspect many would be blessed by your positive attempts at teamwork instead of writing the whole thing off.
And one last R: Rest in the Lord. Trust that He will guide you to do what is best for your family as you navigate through this path of distance education.
And that’s success.