If you read Fade to Grey you may remember me saying that I am very passionate about public school and that I would love to share why sometime. Since then I've been struggling with whether or not I should get into it. If you're a parent, like me you are likely very protective of your children. And the way you raise them (which includes how you educate them) is a very personal thing. We tend to shy away from discussing how we educate our children because it is so very personal! I'm not sure why it is - I just know it's an emotionally charged decision and topic. It's a discussion that people typically don't have unless they're talking with someone they agree with. It's a discussion that if we're not careful could result in heated arguments and hurt feelings. And in some cases people might be hurt even when the topic is approached in love simply because it is such a sensitive topic. (Although I would really like to avoid this!)
Despite all of that, however, I am feeling so compelled to get some sort of discussion going. I have a couple of reasons. It's partly because I think that as believers it's healthy for us to be able to lovingly discuss these types of issues and walk away with the security of knowing we're still family and friends. Personally I don't like the feeling of "I can talk to so and so about just about everything...except that"! I'm also very curious to know whether there are thoughts I haven't considered. All I know is why I believe in public school the thought process (and prayer) that led me to my decision and I'm so interested in knowing the thought process that goes behind choosing Christian schools or homeschooling. I imagine some of you are curious as to why I see things the way I do, too! ;)
I'm convinced that we've all done the same thing. We've looked at the risks involved with each option (public schools/Christian schools/homeschooling) and after weighing them we've chosen the option we feel involves the least amount of risk. And I know we've all wrestled with and made our decision in love.
I would love to do a post outlining the risks I feel are involved with each option and share my heart with you on why I believe in public schools so I can get the discussion started. I would love to hear thoughts and ideas I have missed, I would love to hear what makes you passionate about your decision - even if you are passionate about public school. :) I would begin by setting up some guidelines for how and what we share to keep the tone open and above all loving. My hope is that it will bring us closer together, help us all to be more understanding and maybe even help us all consider things we haven't before!
So what do you think...is there anyone out there who might be interested?
I've sent your link to my cousin Jon. He was homeschooled till Grade 11, then went to a public highschool for 2 years, followed by a public university. Now he is a teacher at a private christian school. His thoughts (if he actually responds to me would be interesting). Again though, he is the product of those education systems, but hasn't had to make the choice of choosing one as a parent.
ReplyDeleteHi Brenna!
ReplyDeleteI think, like you said, schooling is a very personal choice, and I strongly believe one size does not fit all - that goes for all of the schooling options. I think trusting God to point every individual in the right direction is the way to go. We have loved public school until now, where at the same time, many have not! But that didn't concern me, I was doing what was right for us for the time. I know HS is right for my kids, for today, for the next few years, and that is all I worry about. I am honestly surprised, still! But, He orders our foot steps, we all get our own personal path with Him, and staying on that path is what matters. He may/will lead you and your family in a different from others. A verse that has stuck with me is Prov 4:27 - not to look to the right or the left (or compare with others!) but to trust God's leading. You are a phenomenal mom and inspiring friend. Keep doing what you do :)
Hi Brenna! Yes! I would love to hear your thoughts. I was actually going to e-mail you and ask you to share why you are passionate about public school, if you are willing! I really want to hear another point of view on schooling. We have done private Christian school, public school and homeschool. And, we have experienced highs and lows in each path. Love that your heart is to approach this with grace and understand that it is a personal choice. :) Anyways, really looking forward to your thoughts... Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHey Brenna. I would love to share my thoughts of school with you and also hear yours. Having gone to Campden and then Eden but Redeemer for university/teachers college and teaching in Christian schools here and in B.C. and have friends that homeshool Makes one think about it alot.-especially now having a daughter and beign a teacher Oh here's another 'sub-topic' would you send your child to a caholic school.-so they have a bit of "christian principals?" at school. I have a cousin who chose this option.
ReplyDeleteOnce I get my ideas down I will email them to you.
Looking forward to a disscussion
Jenn
I don't have children. Not even close.
ReplyDeleteEven still, I'd be very interested in hearing your different opinions and pros/cons, etc. It's a question that I have thought about.
Public schools can be scary at times. It's crazy what kids face/encounter in those environments. But then there's the danger of overprotecting your children as well, keeping them at home, which could set them up for a pretty big shock later in life. (not to mention that they'd would likely miss out on a lot of sports) Homeschooling must be supplemented with alternative social activities to develop that aspect of your child.
Something I've thought might be cool is to do the first few years homeschooled and then switch to the public system around grade 3. Mom mentioned to me some lady who was in the Star yesterday who says that developmentally, she believes children should be at home until age 8 or so.
I'm looking forward to hearing more.
This would be a good topic. As a product of two different school systems, I have an opinion or two to share.
ReplyDeleteHey Brenna!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog on and off for the past little while and am interested enough in this topic to break the silence of pure observation. Just to quickly sum up where I am currently with the issue: I was homeschooled all the way through high school but am still open to ideas about what we'll be doing with our child(ren)...
I am careful about bringing this topic up in conversation because, like you said, people can become defensive. I do not ever want other parents to think that because I choose one form of education over another (for now) that I am saying my way is the right way - it's only right for me and my family. That goes with all areas of my life, I suppose. I don't believe everyone follows the same path or is on the same journey. God has a recipe for every family and individual and they should be focused on that, not on what others choose. Funny, Moni mentioned a passage I've been meditating on alot lately - Proverbs 4:27.
ReplyDeleteAnd although the risks should be considered when making any decision (that's using wisdom), I don't think this decision can be made entirely by avoiding the one with the most risks. There will always be pros and cons to pretty much every decision you're going to make in life, and it is possible that some of the best decisions have the biggest risks surrounding them.
The whole point of having relationship with God is that we rely on Him as we go through our journey, not being swayed, nor turned away, by another person's opinion.