Episode #39
You Know Your Child: Remembering Our Role in Their Education
Whether your child attends public school, private school, homeschool, or learns through a combination of different approaches, one thing remains the same: you are still an important part of your child's education. In this episode of Refining Our Focus in Motherhood, Nikki reflects on a recent conversation with a mother whose daughter was struggling with reading and becoming discouraged. That conversation raised an important question: Why do we sometimes begin to believe that our hands are tied when something isn't working for our children? Teachers, specialists, and educational experts can offer tremendous knowledge and support, but they do not replace the unique understanding a parent has of an individual child. You know what excites your child. You know what frustrates them. You know when they need more time, a different approach, additional help, or simply someone willing to listen. This episode is not about convincing every parent to homeschool or criticizing teachers and schools. It is an invitation to remember the influence we still have as parents and to begin asking a simple question: What does my child need from me right now? You Know Your Individual Child Parents see things about their children that teachers and specialists may not always be able to see in a classroom setting. Paying attention to how your child is responding to learning can help you recognize when something needs additional attention. Ask Questions and Advocate If something doesn't seem right, it is okay to ask questions. Talk with teachers, learn about the intervention or curriculum being used, ask about your child's progress, and find out what other options may be available. Being involved does not mean being difficult. It means taking your responsibility as a parent seriously. Learning Doesn't Only Happen at School Education extends far beyond the classroom. Follow your child's interests. Read books together. Watch documentaries. Explore questions that come up around the dinner table. Look at the stars. Visit the library. Your home can remain a place filled with curiosity and learning regardless of where your child attends school. Read, Read, and Read Some More One of the simplest ways to strengthen learning at home is to surround children with good books and stories. Read aloud—even when children are capable of reading independently. Read literature, history, biographies, scripture, and books that stretch their understanding. Use audiobooks, libraries, thrift stores, secondhand books, and whatever resources are available to your family. Reading together provides something valuable beyond academics: connection. Ask, “What Can I Do?” When something isn't working, instead of immediately assuming there is nothing you can do, begin asking: What can I do? Maybe you can spend ten minutes helping with a difficult skill. Maybe you can read aloud before bed. Maybe you need another conversation with a teacher. Maybe you need to learn more about a learning difficulty. Maybe your child needs access to great literature through audiobooks while reading skills develop. Or perhaps you need to consider whether a different educational environment would better serve that child. You may not control everything, but there is often something within your influence. Key Takeaways Parents remain an important part of their child's education regardless of where that education takes place. Teachers and specialists can be valuable resources without replacing parental discernment. Pay attention to more than grades—notice how your child is experiencing learning. Asking thoughtful questions and advocating for your child is part of being involved. Learning can continue naturally through books, conversations, interests, experiences, and family life. Reading aloud remains valuable even as children become older. When you feel helpless, change the question from “What can't I control?” to “What can I do?” Small actions can make a meaningful difference. Reflection Questions Is there one of my children who seems discouraged, frustrated, bored, or overwhelmed by something they are learning? Have I taken enough time to really listen to what that child is experiencing? Is there a teacher, specialist, or other resource I need to ask additional questions of? What interests could I encourage outside of formal schoolwork? How could I bring more reading, stories, conversations, and curiosity into our home? What does this child need from me right now? Your Challenge This Week Choose one child. Then ask yourself: What does this child need from me right now? Don't begin with what the school needs to change, what the teacher needs to do differently, or even what your child needs to do. Begin with: What can I do? Maybe you need to listen. Maybe you need to ask questions. Maybe you need to research. Maybe you need to advocate. Maybe you need to read together. Maybe you simply need to pay closer attention. Then choose one small action you can take this week. You don't have to become an expert in everything your child needs. Teachers, specialists, coaches, doctors, and other knowledgeable people can bless our families tremendously. But their expertise does not replace your role as a parent. God entrusted these particular children to you. Part of that stewardship is learning who they are, paying attention, seeking help when needed, asking questions, and being willing to act when something isn't working. You may not control every part of your child's education. But you still have influence. Start small. Pay attention. Ask questions. And keep asking: What does my child need from me right now?
