How I Have Conflicting Feelings with Sending Our Children to School {and Who is Responsible?}

"Who do you think is responsible for your education," I ask cuddled in the arms of my oldest and the other in the bed across from us, "mom and dad or your teacher?"

"OUR TEACHER!" Alexa yells.

"I don't know," Robby echos.

They start school in one week and we are sending our second child off, as well, this year.

There is something very exciting about it. And somewhat conflicting.

"Well...mom and dad are responsible for your education," I respond. "We are entrusting your teachers with your hearts and minds to offer you the gift of your education and we want to support, encourage and assist your teacher as much as possible."

These words aren't adding up when spoken out loud and I wonder if they notice.

However we, mom and dad, are ultimately responsible for you, what you learn and how you learn, when you go off to school. That is why anytime you have a problem, we want you to come to us.

Yet I know how difficult it can be to connect with their hearts after a days separation, activities, homework, and maybe dinner together before bedtime

And we ask that anytime your teacher has a problem concerning you, that she come to us. 

 Yet,  they understandably deal with as much as possible internally.

And because we place God at the center of this home and government runs your school, you will be taught things that just don't line up with our values and beliefs. We can talk about those things.

But, then again, attempting to talk about school is like breaking the Vegas moral code. What happens at school, stays at school. They don't seem to want to talk about it.


I conclude with,

 "We are praying that God may direct your education and we'll be praying for your teacher, as well.

And we will, no doubt. But really?

Lord, protect these dear six and eight year old children, as we throw them out into their pagan school without our leading and help them to be strong enough to "think critically" regardless of all they are up against spiritually and morally - at six and eight. please? 

That feels slightly like an irresponsible prayer.


And I feel like, with all the well-intended talk, in the end, we're still throwing them to the wolves.

Not the people, but the governmental system.

And we are the ones responsible for them. I'm not going to lie.This all sounds a little absurd. We. are. responsible. And we have no idea of the ins and outs of how their hearts and minds are being affected day in and day out.

We are responsible and yet we release our children to strangers seven out of their twelve waking hours every day.

We are responsible, yet it appears that we are handing over our God-given responsibility.

And I wonder if they notice.

***

Please don't misunderstand. We have some of the best schools and teachers where we live. We couldn't be more blessed! I do believe there is a need for our schools. I do understand moms work outside the home, too.  And I do believe teachers (many being those moms) have one of the hardest, most admirable jobs there is. 

Yet, It's conflicting because something feels unnatural about this system for us. Something feels unnatural about breaking a part a healthy, functional, character-building, love-for-learning-infused family by the time each child turns five. A family in training, whose children are learning about love, compassion, and service best from each other. And who are still learning how to love and serve others outside of themselves together.

This is all recently heavy on our hearts here. And we're not making any hasty changes without prayer and proper preparation. 

So, for today, this is what we are choosing. Yes, we choose it with eyes open. By no means do we think that  somehow we are not responsible.

We will support our children's school and teachers. We will pray for them. We will do our best to keep communication lines open with our children.

And I will be a part of the PTO. And I will be at most of the school events and I will each lunch with my kiddos occasionally with my youngest two.

I will be involved. And I will not condemn. This is our choice.

But I ask that you join us in prayer for our children, for our schools, and for our nation in general. And yes, trusting that God has these kids, even where we shut Him completely out. And yes, He made us responsible, yet ultimately, they are in His hands. No doubt. He'll work this out.

Thank you for being gracious here in allowing me to express my heart. This heart truly is all for preserving the infrastructure of family, not against our schools. But, yes, it is conflicting. Can you truly be passionate about both?

I realize this can be a controversial topic, different scenarios and callings for each and every family. These are my thoughts, not givens. And I invite your feedback and respectful conversation in the comments.


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