Do you feel things are spinning out of control?

The media ignites fear. To wear a mask or not. To stay home. To stay safe. Months into this global pandemic and we are still living in the unknown. As we enter into the 2020/2021 school year, we are experiencing a new challenge. Families are confronted with a never-before-considered decision. Typically, fall comes, and children go off to school. That reality is no longer straightforward.

Are you finding yourself facing this dilemma?

Am I okay with my child wearing a mask all day, physically separated from friends and teachers? All the benefits, public schools had to offer are slowly diminishing. Is it okay for my child to learn in an environment filled with new social distancing guidelines?

Augh!!! Where Is the best space mentally and physically for my child?

Does the thought of “back to school” bring …Frustration? Fear? Peace? Limitations?

Write down the ONE word that pops into your mind.

How to approach this challenging year? REBOOT… Hit “control” +”alt” +”delete”

*Control

STOP! Acknowledge what you can control! I may not be able to change what’s happening in the schools, but I still am in charge of my child’s education. Ask yourself, “What options do I control?”

Believe it or not, YOU are the boss. Is public part-time online learning okay? You get to decide what is best for YOUR child. Is home learning an option? If they are going to be home anyway, does having the freedom to pick your schedule, deadlines, and the availability to the answer keys sound appealing? Homeschooling may feel completely risky. But at any time, if it isn’t working, then you change direction. There are lots of home educating options available. I am assuming if you’re reading this far, you are considering homeschooling? Either way, YOU get to pick where your child will learn. What is the best option available to you?

*ALT

What areas need to be altered? If you homeschool, what would need to change? How is that different from online learning? If they go public, what would need to change this year? Which decision leaves me feeling more at peace? We are constantly in a state of change. Nothing stays the same. We need to look at alternative ways of educating children.  ALT means looking at ALL your choices, then adjust accordingly.

*Delete

What things do you need to delete? If you are going to embrace this new school year, do you need to adjust your schedule and take out something? Your schedule is most likely already full. You may need to delete something physically, but it may be mentally getting rid of something that is haunting your thoughts? Negative thoughts like… “Can I homeschool”, “Can I feel peace sending them to school every day?” “Can I embrace online learning?”

Once you decide, you need to commit and jump in… mind, body, and soul.

Your kids need your confidence. Bring them into the decision making if they are old enough, but let them know YOU are making the final decision.

Whatever direction you decide for YOUR family, make peace with it. If you think you can -YOU CAN!

Control + Alt + Delete allows you to reboot this school year. To not “let” it just happen to you but be proactive in your children’s future. God put you over them to guide and direct them. We are equipped for whatever is ahead. It may not be easy. Get with like-minded parents and move forward as an unstoppable force. Your children are counting on you to make the best educational plan for this coming year.

Educate yourself. Pray. Ask the hard questions. Then advance toward this school year with shoulders back, head held high. Will it be easy? Nobody knows. Ha! These little people have a mind of their own. Parenting isn’t easy. You will have your moments of doubt no matter what decision you make. All part of being a parent.

                  CONTROL what you can

             ALTer what needs to be adjusted

         DELETE things that are not beneficial

Rebooting your system takes time. You can’t rush it. Keep breathing. Weigh ALL your options. This is one year of many years ahead. You got this! The fact that you are taking time to research says a lot about YOU! Your kids are lucky to have an intentional mom!!

…Trust your gut.

…Listen to your heart.

…Then move forward with confidence.