Families Make Different Decisions

Do you have children in school right now? More than one? How about children in different grades, or in different schools?

Yes, to all.

I have a 6th grader, Sam, who attends online schooling. Each day he sits to my right and does his classwork while I work on new articles, new books and content creation. He is a bright young man who was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. This made it difficult for him to function through public school without issues. He had trouble focusing and he ran into bullies on more occasions than I would like to admit. So, the decision to move him to virtual classwork ended up being a very simple one.

Then there is my third grader, Hunter, who goes to public school. He is thriving and continuously improving in everything he tries. He is hoping to enter sports this year but has not yet decided what he wants to play. I think Football and Soccer are neck and neck.

My final school aged little is Lillian, who started Kindergarten at public school this year. Our bright little star is having a fantastic time and quickly made fast friends this year. I assumed she would do well; she has always been one to connect well with others. I can see her doing amazing things.

I tell you all of this because I was talking with someone at the store yesterday who found it odd that I had my children going to different schools and doing school differently. They suggested that I was denying my oldest child the ability to connect with other students and get the full aspect of what school has to offer.

I can understand the thought of that individual. Maybe they believe that public school is the best way to go, regardless of the negative interactions and that's okay. However, just because something is working for her, and her household does not mean it was working for me and mine.

We are all doing the best we can and are making decisions we feel are the best for our families. Just because you don't agree - doesn't make it wrong.

I wanted to make note. You never know what a family dynamic looks like. You never know the challenges that a family or just the child specifically may face.

So, when you have a thought — that someone is doing something you would not do within your own household… Keep it to yourself. There is no use making someone feel bad about a decision that works best for them and their household.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion; it’s what makes the world go round. However, there is a time and place to provide it.

Hint: The grocery store isle, to someone you haven’t seen since high school — isn’t it.

Remember that others are living different lives. Remember that you cannot confirm the reasoning that someone has made a certain decision. Let them be and move on.

Spreading kindness and understanding is easier than you think.

🧡Shine Bright, Kayla