It’s kinda difficult to enjoy the summer when you are nervous about the fall.
I have talked with so many parents who are concerned with the unknown situation regarding their children’s education during these anxious times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now in July, and most parents are holding their breath awaiting an imminent decision with serious implications.
In the coming days, your state will tell you the plans for the whole, and you will have to make the decision for your crew.
Before you read this post any further, I want to provide my hope for this article:
I want all parents to realize they have to make the best decision for their specific children at this particular time, and they don’t have to defend it to anyone.
Now that we have that cleared up, let me give you some brief help to accomplish that.
There Is No Perfect Answer
I went to public school. I often wanted to go to a private school. My wife and mother were teachers in public school. We homeschool our children.
So, my perspective is complex, but I stand by this statement:
I do not believe there is one perfect answer for all family situations.
While we homeschool, I do not believe it is for everyone. It wasn’t our initial plan. And I know some families cannot do it, and I don’t think it is the only answer for all people.
While I do not believe that homeschooling is for everyone, it is right for us as of right now.
As you begin to make your decision, there isn’t a perfect answer for all people. In fact, there might not be a perfect answer for your family. Any decision you make (in person, online, hybrid, homeschool, etc.) will have pros and cons. There are always hidden costs to any decision you make.
If you are looking for a perfect answer, you are wasting your time and energy.
There Is a Best Answer
There may not be a perfect answer, but there is a best one. For your family. At this time.
Regardless of what decision you make for your family, realize that it is your decision to make for your family.
With all the opportunities and oppositions, what is the best answer for your specific children at this specific time? There are unknowns with any path you take, but what is the wisest for your family right now?
We always approach decisions for our family by determining what is the most God-glorifying, wisest decision we can make at this particular juncture in our lives.
Your decision will be different than others. Many will not think you are making the best call. Some people will criticize your decision because it differs from theirs,
You are not responsible to change your convictions to accommodate the opinions of anyone else.
No matter the decision you make, someone will think you are crazy. That’s fine.
Your job is to meet your children’s needs and not everyone else’s expectations.
Before God and your family, if you can stand with integrity knowing you made the best decision you could for the best outcome, you can stand with peace. And I know this about you: if you are agonizing over the decision, you probably have your kid’s best interest in mind. That’s a good sign you are thinking clearly.
What is the most important thing to you for your child?
- Is it their physical safety?
- Educational opportunities?
- Biblical worldview?
- Emotional health?
- Relational opportunities?
Once you determine what is most important is when you can start narrowing down your decision.
And it is your decision to make. It doesn’t belong to anyone else.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Proverbs 3:5-6
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.