Each year, we are met with the decision, to homeschool or not to homeschool. We carefully consider our family vision, goals for the year, our children’s academic progress, and their social emotional needs. As they get older, the decision seems to become increasingly difficult. And while this year we considered enrolling our children in public school, we examined our possible options, advantages, and disadvantages, prior to coming up with our best solution.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve spoken with countless parents who have taken time to create a well thought out plan and make an informed decision regarding their children’s return to school and more. They’ve gathered as much information as possible, identified their priorities, and established a plan. Now they are being met by fear, anxiety, guilt, and uncertainty, wondering if their plan is sure proof.
If you are not feeling confident about your plan, It’s okay! It is still possible to feel good about the process you used to make your decisions. Below are some strategies to help you accept those difficult thoughts and feelings that arise after taking actions that are in line with your values.
Focus on what you can control and are certain of
Acknowledge your feelings, and allow yourself to feel how you feel. Just don't get stuck there
Stop chasing certainty and be compassionate with yourself
Set realistic expectations for yourself
Develop positive self-talk
Don’t make yourself any promises or guarantees
Remain flexible
There is always more than one right answer to every problem (unless it’s a math problem). Spend some time focusing on your decision making process and accept that at any given moment, you will feel conflicted about the plan you’ve made or the options that have been presented to you. In times of uncertainty and instability, we serve as anchors for our children. It is in our confidence, that children become centered and far less anxious about what the future will bring.
Spend some time connecting with your children by practicing and teaching them the same strategies above. Keep in mind, children take their cues from parents when it comes to knowing how to react to certain situations and circumstances. Manage your fears, in order to help your children do the same. When processing, put your energy into what’s working and what’s meaningful to you.
Although there were plenty of advantages and disadvantages for each of the options before us, our best solution was to continue homeschooling our children. While this may have been a great way to slowly transition our children to public school, we opted out. I often wonder if we are missing out on an excellent opportunity for a gradual introduction into the educational system. But for now, we surrender to what we know to be best, accepting our plan for what it is, and preparing to pivot when necessary.
Let’s teach our children how to embrace our plans with confidence, teamwork, and resilience. We can do it!