Actually, It’s more like “how” and “where” to school.
So many parents are in a quandary as to what school choice is best. They go to bed and wake up worrying about what to do about school. Should they send them if schools are open? Should they sit them in front of a screen all day? Should they “homeschool”?
And, If their child(ren) has/have already started school, they are worried about having made the “right” decision. After all, some schools that have opened are already closing.
What’s a parent to do? What is the right decision?
Let me first say that I do not envy the position you’re in, nor do I take it lightly. I am no longer in the classroom and I don’t have kids in school anymore, and it still occupies a lot of my brain space. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for anyone-parents, teachers, administrators- having to make this decision,
If only we could predict the future and know which option would work best for our situations.
Sadly (or thankfully), I can’t. But what I can do is give you a process that will help to negotiate the situation and be more confident in your decision.
First and foremost ….
SHUT OFF THE TV. There’a a saying in the news industry, “If it bleeds, it leads.” I first heard this phrase in the late 80’s/early 90’s and I assert that it’s even more true today. By the very nature of the 24/7 news cycle..news is sensationalized so that the stations get their share of the market. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear them couch their statements with “might” and “may”, and other qualifiers - which means there may not be a lot of evidence to back it up.
I’m not saying to not stay informed. But stick to reliable sources (if there is such a thing) and before you jump to conclusions, consider all the FACTS. Examine and scrutinize all the information you’ve gathered. Sort through them all to help narrow down the options.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS and write them all down. Brainstorm. Don’t edit. There are probably more variables than you initially thought - in school, distance learning, combination, “Pods” , private tutors, homeschooling...small group, think outside the box. The more choices you can think of, the easier it may be to find one that works for you. Having more choices can make it easier to find one that works for you
PROS AND CONS. Next to each option write down all the pros. Do the same for all the cons. Again, brainstorm anything that pops into your head.It would look something like this:
Circle the ones that are most important to you.
I understand that this is a time-consuming process but this is the type of decision that really matters and warrants you taking the time to think it through rationally and systematically.
I hope this helps in deciding what to do this fall and in easing some of your worry. For more techniques to deal with worry, you can go here!
If you’d like more help in the decision making process, click here to set up a call. We’ll walk through the process together, figure out what’s best for you and your family, and you’ll come out with a plan to move forward...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
“If you are feeling overwhelmed and need some support in the parenting department, Mary Kerwin will help guide you. She’s an educator with decades of experience based in NYC but she has online offerings too. Check it out. She’s pretty awesome.” CLAUDIA L. (parent)
Comments