Jim and I were talking last night about how people always seem to have an opinion, especially when it comes to child rearing.
This whole decision of where to send our Ladybugs in the fall has definitely been one of heartache and prayer; one of argument and laughter; one of bewilderment and helplessness. However, unlike "where will you send your child to preschool," or "where will they go for college?" we are faced with a decision that pulls us away from what we know and to what our children are comfortable.
I have been ill this week with a cold/sinus infection. Evie came down with the same illness Monday while at school. However, the community of staff and parents has been so kind. Just knowing they are there for my girls and for me puts my heart and mind at ease. I will miss the relationships made - maybe more than anything else.
I also see a trend with parents. Because some families left last our school family last summer to go to another school, it seems many of our current families are planning on going there as well for the fall. I understand their need to feel a part of a community, like I mentioned above. It is always easier to "fit in" when you know people. But I think the most interesting opinions I've received lately are about my choices for my girls.
An Explanation of Sorts...An Open Letter
Having a blog opens my heart and mind to whomever is interested in reading. I'd like to say my skin is thick and negative feedback simply rolls off my back. But the truth is, sometimes, on very few occasions, I take to heart what people say regarding my opinions. Empathy can be a wonderful trait, but it also can be extremely exhausting.
That being said, I have had many comments lately about my choices for schooling (some on Facebook, some in emails, and some in person), and I feel it important to address these questions and concerns publicly Not because I enjoy to stand on a soapbox, but rather because I find it easier to accurately describe myself in the written word rather than try to form my words on the spot.
It is true, reader, I grew up in the public schools. I am not afraid of them, nor do I see the evil that lurks in them (as many concerned parents have shared with me). I do not think poor behavior and the evils of Satan (smoking, drugs, fornication, etc.) run rapid in public schools. In fact, I did not even know people were drinking at parties until I was in 12th grade. Why? Because I was not ever invited to those parties. I was not part of that crowd of students. And interestingly enough, most of the heaviest party-goers I knew came from the many K-8 Catholic schools in our city. Those private school girls were also quick to smoke, and became part of the "burn-out" group as well.
If you notice, I did not lump Lutheran school girls into that group, mostly because 99% of the Lutheran school graduates I know went to a Lutheran High School in the area. I am not suggesting that Lutheran children are exempt from the "evils," I just believe that many of the families like to see their children continue with private high school when they are completed with the 8th grade.
I have been told that Christian Schools teach Bible stories and I was incorrect with my "doctrine" verbiage. Actually, yes many teach from the Bible. However, by 3rd grade Lutheran and Catholic schools teach Catechism (which is doctrine based). Remember, I grew up a Lutheran and got kicked out of Catechism twice. I am all too aware of the narrow-mindedness of some teachings and I cannot overlook that.
I find it interesting that one would question my desire to visit a public school, when I believe my girls could be His light at the school. Yes, there is no Bible taught in public schools. Yes, there is a mixture of faiths. And yes, my children would be at a non-Christ-centered school for 35 hours a week. I completely understand how unsettling that could seem to some (many more than I had anticipated to be honest). I do understand the concern that "reprogramming" would have to happen after those numerous hours without teachings of the Lord. But isn't God in our hearts all day, everywhere, no matter what?
On the other hand, many private schools do not require you to sign a form that your family is Christian nor attends a Christian church. I have Muslim piano students who are planning to attend a Catholic school in fall. I cannot imagine they will change their faith for the school. I also know children who attend a Lutheran school who not only are not Lutheran, but their father is Agnostic. They do a lot of "deprogramming" at home regarding the teachings of the Bible (neither parent believes the Bible to be true). The point is: even if the school is teaching a Christ-focused education, there are other children who are not Christians who will attend. And some children will have parents who are not God fearing nor believe in the Bible. And couldn't they influence my children just as easily as a non-Christian at a public school?
In fact, I believe a solid family foundation is key to a child's treatment of others AND how they view schooling in general. Yes, I grew up in the public schools, but I have always been kind to others and my love of the Lord may have faltered at a couple of points, but it had absolutely nothing to do with public schools. I believe we all have our opinions, and it is often difficult to contain them - especially when we want to do right by our children. But rather than try to change my opinions, maybe we could all accept that our current community is no longer going to be the same. We will be going our different ways, but we all have one thing in common: WE LOVE THE LORD!
And that should be enough to move forward in harmony.
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