Education is a hot topic that engages parents in passionate conversations. Should we start our 3-year-old in soccer? When is a good time to begin preschool? What is the right age to begin music? What school should we choose: Public, Christian, Private Prepratory, Homeschool? Should we enroll in karate, swimming, dance, and SAT-prep? How many activities is too many? Too little?
And, if we sprinkle in a some of our own self-doubt: “What if I make the wrong choice? Will I ruin my child?!”
Education is about providing an enriching environment, and it is an extension of our home. It is a combination of KNOWLEDGE (accumulation of facts) and WISDOM (wise application of facts). Education is also multifaceted. It includes academics, arts, athletics, and attitude.
So what is a parent to do?
- Be realistic about your personality and gifting & be realistic about YOUR CHILD’S personality and gifting. It might not be the same.
- Be aware of your child’s needs (physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual).
- Realize that you have a big job – Make sure you are qualified and dedicated.
- Do your research – Don’t accept other people’s opinions as the truth for you and your family. What is best for the Browns may not work for the Lees.
- Plan social events with children unlike yours.
- Interface with other cultures, races, and socio-economic groups.
- Look for opportunities to be salt & light.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-15)
- Evaluate annually – It is okay to make changes and adjust your plans to fit your child’s changing needs.
The bottom line is to BE INVOLVED and BE AVAILABLE. From ages 0-12, talk to your kids . . . A LOT! From age 12 and on, listen to your kids and keep asking questions. There are challenges with each educational option, so as a parents we need to overlap and compensate for what may be lacking. Learning does not just happen between 8 AM-3 PM. It is going on 24/7 and interwoven into life. Provide opportunities for enrichment, but be sure not to live out your own dreams through your child. Facilitate their dreams.
Pray for your child and with your child. As children grow older, it is good for them to see that when Mom & Dad were faced with some big decisions, they brought it before the Lord. Parents are the general contractors of their child’s education. God is our architect!
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
(1 John 4:4 NASB)
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 41:10 NIV)
And no . . . you will not ruin your child!