July Mama Message
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
- Marian Wright Edelman
The topic of education is in the forefront these days as we grapple with re-opening communities and states in the midst of a global pandemic. Will children be able to return to a live, in-person classroom safely? Will many schools be offering distance learning? Will large numbers of families choose to homeschool their children? How will this affect minority groups and impoverished communities? The pandemic has jolted us into looking at all of the systems in this diverse country. In healthcare, education, housing, economic distribution, communication, nutrition, transportation, and more… we are seeing the disparities and inequities that have existed for a very long time. While the laws in this country espouse equality, there is still so much to be done!
Within the education system there has been frank discussion, yet little systemic change from within, over the past several decades. Corporate interests have weaseled their way into every classroom in America, and cultural bias is evident in curriculum, testing, and daily practices. While there are so many qualified and competent educators in this country, the very foundation of public education has been challenged for years. We are now seeing the disparities and inequities deepening with the reality of distance learning and virtual classrooms.
Education needs to be hands on and relevant for every student. Whether this is in a classroom, family home, out in the “real” world, or deep in the wilderness, true learning takes place when it belongs to the individual student, and when observations and connections are made by the learner. We have been focused for too long on what is learned solely for the student, instead of how that learning will also benefit others. We need education to be meaningful and relevant to the student, as well as to the community and the people that surround us.
This pandemic has been an odd mix of bringing us together while at the same time separating and dividing us. We need platforms that unite us all, and I would declare that the future of our children is one on which we will come together! While there may be differences of opinion on what education may look like for individuals, I would hope that an educated citizenry is a goal that we still strive for in this country.
In trying to make sense of the many scenarios that we face, I am turning to fennel essential oil to help me “digest” all of this conflicting information. It helps us to sort through all of the news stories and predictions, and supports us in taking full responsibility for our decisions. I have been talking with many mamas these days who are struggling to make decisions about educating their children at this time. Each child and family is unique, with their own learning styles and routines and responsibilities. We need additional support in making these decisions, and I am available to assist you on this pathway.
After years of supporting families within the public and charter school systems I have an idea or two to offer you! Please check out our podcast “The Moms I Know” for episodes on education, conscious parenting, family schooling, and more! We have a six-episode series on homeschooling if you or someone you know is considering educating their children at home, and our eBook on homeschool education is available at themomsiknow.com. Many families are coming together to form co-op schools, and I have ideas around this paradigm as well. I will continue to offer my “Parenting with Intention and Joy” online support series beginning again next month. See thefutureoffamily.com for more information and a free clarity call.
I am passionate about healthy families as the foundation of positive transformation, and I hope to be of service to you, your family, and your friends. Please take care and be well!
Warmly,
Maria