With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Over the last few weeks, families have been faced with overwhelming decisions regarding school for their children for this coming fall. The wonderful thing is that there are options, but the challenging part is figuring out which option is the best for your child and family. Many families have shared their anxieties with me, and their worry that their choice might not be the best one. What I want to share with every parent facing these difficult decisions is that, no matter what, you are making the right choice. Whether you choose virtual, in-person, homeschooling, or a combination, it will be the right one. These experiences learned and gained over the coming year will shape the foundation of your family; they will contribute to who you are as a parent, and who your child is going to be as an individual. There may be struggles along the way, but ultimately, they are a part of God’s plans.
As a parent you know what is right for your family. The thought, care, and time you are putting into this decision demonstrates your awareness of who your child is, and what their needs may be. God hears us in our times of worry, and he hears our prayers. God gives us the strength when we are weak. During these next few weeks, as parents seek out each other’s thoughts, feelings, and decisions, let us all do so with grace and understanding. There is no clear “one size fits all” option. Every student has their own personal journey to experience, and the right choice for one family may not be right for another. There is strength in community. If families lift each other up, and support one another in this process, the less worry, pressure, and anxiety there will be. Remember, God will clear the road for you to follow.
Dr. Leanne Badham
Director of Precious Cargo Academy
Activities for Home:
Do not wait until the first day of school for your child to wear a mask. Help them now by practicing wearing one for small periods of time, working up to a couple hours at a time. This will help prepare your little one for the classroom and ease their anxiety of what wearing a mask will be like.
Gum Drop and Marshmallow Engineering: Have children make their own structures using toothpicks and gum drops and/or marshmallows. You can choose different sized drops and marshmallows to make a variety of structures. For young children, replace the toothpicks with popsicle sticks. Try “testing” the strength of the structure by placing objects on the top of it or try blowing them down with a straw.
For parents facing tough choices and students feeling anxious about what is to come:
Dear Lord, please help us all to trust you and not to lean on our own judgement. Help us to see the path you have laid out for us and to be comforted by your presence in our lives. Amen.