Here’s a question I would have never predicted at the beginning of the year, but one that ever single parent I know is now having to wrestle through: Should I send my child back to school this fall?

For some the answer is easy and obvious, but for many of us there are so many unknowns we have to consider. I spend time talking to parents and teachers (all off the record since it’s such a hot-button issue and I wanted to protect teacher’s jobs). Here is the best wisdom I gathered. I can’t make the decision for you, but I can help you think through some things you might not have considered. In the end, the choice is up to your family and the Lord.

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Show Highlights Any other year, this would have been a given, but this year, sending your kids back to school is something you have to ponder on. Here are some points to consider:

1. This is a difficult decision, but not a Gospel decision, so don’t stress out about it too much.
2. There’s no decision without consequences in this situation. Either way, there are both positives and negatives a no one really knows how these will play out. Realize that the unknown just the nature of parenting – and you do this all the time!
3. The decision that you make is not necessarily the best for others, and vice versa. Even between the different children you have could need a different set-up each. Remember that education is flexible and children are resilient.
4. Go with the assumption that students and teacher will not be able to completely social distance.
5. Be open to the idea that circumstances may change you decision. Even if you end up sending your child to school, know that you might still end up homeschooling. Come up with creative solutions to this, just in case!

Assess your family’s own situation and the needs of each individual child. In this time, be supportive and encouraging to your family, but also to teachers and administrators who are doing their best. Walk in grace with yourselves and with one another.

Resources Mentioned * Things for Thursday and free e-book: Text THINGS to 66866