Don’t sweat it. Don’t cry—or make your child cry. If it isn’t working, find a different path.
I regret the days I pushed our son to do more levels of Reading Eggs than he wanted. He cried sometimes. I felt awful. Eventually, I gave him the freedom to choose. And guess what? No more tears. And he’s still learning.
No, he’s not “on grade level” with public school kids. But he doesn’t need to be. He’s learning in a stress-free way, following what truly interests him.
Sure, we have to pry the iPad out of his hands now and then so he doesn’t morph into a screen-addicted zombie. But regulating screen time and emotions? That’s life. We’re all still figuring it out, adults included.
Be prepared for weird rabbit holes. One day it’s ancient Egypt, the next it’s bird-watching, and then suddenly it’s a full-blown Minecraft obsession. Kids are curious by nature. If you’re lucky, their curiosity might just spark yours too.
I’ll admit—when he talks about his games, my eyes glaze over a little. But I’ve absorbed just enough Minecraft knowledge to survive the movie with him and even ask a few semi-relevant questions. That’s a win, right?
Everything in life is learning. Plan the trips. Sign up for the library programs. Do the nature stuff. Just don’t push too hard—or they’ll push back.
Find your rhythm. Every child is different. Deschool. Reconfigure. Take off.
So if today felt like a mess, or if you’re second-guessing your path—take a breath. You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just finding your own way. And that’s exactly what your child is doing too.
Let it be messy. Let it be yours. And trust that learning is happening, even when it doesn’t look like school.
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