Are you stressing about the school options available for your child? If so, you’re not alone. Rebecca Duenke shares her experience in this post.

Motherhood begins with the precious newborn days. The first few years are filled with celebrations as your child reaches each milestone. Eventually, you face the daunting decision of choosing a school for your child.

What is the best option to give your child everything they need – homeschool, private school, or public school? The decision can feel overwhelming as questions flood your mind.

• What if my child faces bullying?
• How can I afford private school?
• What will people think if I choose to homeschool?

When it came time for my oldest son to start school, I dealt with all the common worries. I was starting a full-time job, so homeschooling was not an option.

School Options & Anxiety

However, as I explored school options, I felt a twinge of guilt. All I could think about were the good experiences I had growing up homeschooled that my son would miss out on.

Was I making a mistake?

I was anxious about making the wrong decision. 

As it turns out, my boys have now had the wonderful experience of attending private Christian school, public school, and being homeschooled at different times.

Guess what?

My boys have not only survived, but thrived in all three school settings, despite my fretting and second-guessing!

I am certainly not beyond having mom worries today. With each progressive grade, I still wonder:

• Did we make the right decision?
• Are my boys missing out on activities?
• Are they learning everything they should to be well-rounded adults?

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God’s Grace for Moms

4 Truths that Bring Peace Amid School Options Anxiety

Throughout the years, I have learned four truths that help me to find peace amid my fears. 

1.) God Loves My Kids More Than I Do

I can trust God with my children. God knows what is best for each one of my boys, and He has their best interest at heart.

He is a better guardian over my children than I can ever be. I can trust Him to protect my children physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, no matter where they go to school. As much as I love them, I cannot protect my children from every disappointment, heartache, or challenge. But God will be with them through everything! 

2.) My Parenting Decisions Are Between Me and God

I only need to please the Lord with my parenting decisions. Friends, family, coworkers, and even random strangers will have opinions – even strong opinions – and that’s okay.

I am a people pleaser by nature, but living for the Lord does not mean doing what makes everyone else happy. When I live for others’ approval, I am left frustrated because I can never make everyone happy. However, when I remember to keep my eyes on Jesus and live for His approval, I find peace.

3.) Not All Decisions Are Final

I am not stuck with one schooling option. Ecclesiastes talks about seasons, and seasons are a part of family life.

When my oldest two were young, they attended a Christian school. Later, we opted to homeschool for two years because it fit our family dynamics better at the time. Then, my oldest two attended public school for several years. Now, I homeschool.

Each season has been just what we needed as a family. It was extremely freeing to realize we can change school options whenever we need to in order to meet our family’s needs. 

4.) All School Options Have Pros and Cons

Every school has challenges and blessings.

When my boys were in Christian school, they benefitted from rigorous academics and disciplined structure. However, I found myself less attentive to their spiritual growth because I knew they were hearing Bible lessons and memorizing Scripture at school.

In contrast, public school offered more activities, a fun learning environment, and community connection. It made me much more intentional about caring for my children spiritually, and the community connection burdened me to reach other children for Jesus.

Homeschooling has provided a personalized learning experience, more time with my boys, and a flexible schedule. However, I miss some of the school structure and community, and teaching different grades can get overwhelming. 

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At the end of the day, each family is unique. As parents, we can seek to honor God in our parenting and trust Him with the results. People will have opinions, and that’s ok. They are not living my life or yours. If a school option does not work well, it is okay to change it up. No matter what schooling option you may choose, enjoy the positives, and prayerfully tackle the challenges. 

Join the Conversation About School Options

Hopefully these four truths have allowed you to breathe a sigh of relief. Where your child goes to school is a big decision, but it does not need to be a source of stress.

What challenges have you faced as you considered school options for your child(ren)? Have you tried more than one schooling option? What outside influences impacted your school decision?

Meet Rebecca Duenke

I am a wife and momma to three boys. My husband and I have been married for 12 years, and during that time have served the Lord in Texas, California, Ohio and Louisiana. I love Jesus, and my greatest joy in life has been to share Him with others and see them grow in their relationship with Him!