Are You Ready for Back-to-School?

Are you ready for back-to-school? With September (sometimes August) comes shopping for new school clothes and school supplies. Backpacks are filled and lists of required items are double-checked. Except, maybe they’re not. Perhaps you’re getting ready physically, but emotionally, you don’t have peace and are struggling with doubt.

The start of this school year undoubtedly looks different than any other. Wherever you are reading this from the tip-top of Maine or the southern point of Texas, for the last few months, states have been releasing their school protocols for this year. A global pandemic has redefined what school will look like.

Maybe you’re comfortable with the protocols being executed, or perhaps you are among the one-third of parents who are now contemplating homeschooling. If you are, this post is for you. And if you’re not, this will still encourage you in the path you are choosing.

I am a homeschool mom of four and have always homeschooled. However, I never really thought about homeschooling until I was employed by the public school system. After I moved halfway across the country and was in job limbo, I took a position as a substitute teacher. Throughout the year, I subbed a couple of days a week in everything from kindergarten to high school. It was eye-opening.

While I am not at all bashing public education (I am a product of public education), I began to feel a conviction in my heart about not sending my kids to public school. I don’t need to get into the specifics, but just like this global pandemic and the different way school will look this year may be leading you to consider homeschooling, multiple interactions and scenarios I experienced working in the public schools led me to consider homeschooling.

When I shared with my husband about the prospect of homeschooling, he was on the fence. He wasn’t completely opposed to it, but as he, too, was a product of the public school system, he didn’t know why we wouldn’t send our kids. When the time came for our first to start kindergarten, he was comfortable with me keeping her home and teaching her, but he was unsure about continuing. We kept taking it year by year, and my firstborn is now starting high school at home this year.

Homeschooling Is Not Easy

Homeschooling is not easy, but the rewards are unmeasurable. There are many, many days I want to throw in the towel. I want to drive my kids to the closest school and drop them off. Spending every day with little mirrors isn’t glamorous. Never having an ounce of peace and quiet will drive you crazy. However, my relationship with all four of my kids is no doubt deeper and richer for spending every day with them. They challenge me to be a better mom and person in general. And while they still fight like cats and dogs some days, their bonds with each other run deep as well.

You Are Capable of Homeschooling

You are capable of homeschooling. I often hear parents say, “I am not a teacher,” or “I could never spend every day with my kids.” You, the mom (or dad), is the best teacher your child could ever have. You are the one who cares most about their success—the one who knows them better than anyone, who knows what makes them tick. At the beginning of every school year (and usually in February, too), I face doubt and uncertainty as to whether I am doing the right thing—the best thing—for my kids. I want you to know, if you have a stirring in your heart to homeschool, and if you are uncomfortable with sending your kids to public schools, you can homeschool.

Don’t Homeschool Alone

Don’t homeschool alone. While there are many stereotypes about homeschoolers, I promise you will never see me in a denim jumper. Another stereotype is that homeschoolers are not socialized. Honestly, that could not be farther from the truth. I am literally an “Uber Mom,” running my kids around town. The homeschool community runs wide and deep. Thank goodness for this, as I would not be able to do it all on my own. We attend a co-op one day a week, where other moms teach my kids science. Thank you, Jesus. (I may be the best teacher for them in general, but that does not mean I am great in every subject! Just like I know my kids’ strengths and weaknesses, I know mine, too.)

Even if you are only considering this homeschool thing for a year or so until the public schools get back to normal, you must find yourself a community of like-minded moms. I guarantee you are not the only parent in your school district considering homeschooling.

Words of Encouragement

When we began the journey of homeschooling, I battled uncertainty a lot. Through several different ways, God repeatedly laid this verse on my heart, and I want to share it with you:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:15 NIV)

What you are facing is not new to God. The creator of the universe is not surprised by what is happening. He goes before us, and he will light the way if we seek him. No matter what school path you are choosing this year, God will help you.

If you need more encouragement, I am a cohost at The Relatable Homeschoolers podcast, and we would love to have you join us over there for practical tips and wisdom to get your homeschool moving in the right direction.

Heather Gerwing is living the full life with her husband, Jeff, four kids, and a dog in Metro Detroit. Heather enjoys reading, writing, coffee-ing, and serving in youth ministry. She was born a Jersey girl and feels most at home on a beach. She is the host of the monthly link-up, Share Four Somethings. You can join Heather on the journey to living the full life at www.heathergerwing.com.

Photograph © Element5 Digital, used with permission