Going Back to School or NOT? (You DO have choices)

Years ago I was sitting next to a passenger who was on his way to an annual convention for open water lifeguards. I was so excited to hear that because I had been a lifeguard prior to becoming a flight attendant. So I went into all kinds of questions and I learned a few things.

I learned that their convention was started be people who were CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) and because of that they chose to have the convention after tax season. The date was a breath of fresh air for the initial founders but not for the people that have to prepare for beach opening day. The hiring and trainings happen around the same time and it just makes for a busier than ever time for everyone involved. Yet, the tradition prevails after many attempts of moving it. I wonder why?

Is it because they are afraid of change? or because they are afraid of their legacy being replaced by a new date? It certainly leaves the people doing the work out of the equation. School is no different.

The school year is set the way it is because of agriculture and the need for labor in the fields as well as back at home. This article by Peter Gray from Psychology Today is a short and great read on the beginning of schools.

Today, I just want to touch on how these cycles of school, summer vacation and the going-back-to-school rituals are a legacy of someone else. This legacy has been passed down to us as tradition that should be upheld. But should we? My answer is no. Your answer may be yes. And that's ok. Either answer is acceptable as long as you are happy with it and know that if you had other choices you would still choose the same option.

And that is the reason for this post.

I want you to know that you DO have choices. The choices aren't many as of right now but the portal is wider and it almost feels like you can see what's on the other side. And it looks like a foggy forest with some light rain but you can feel the serenity and see the freedom that awaits you.

Some of your choices now are the following

• Homeschooling: The traditional alternative to school that often gets a bad rep about turning your children into awkard people. I promise you they will be just fine.

• Unschooling: I see this as a logical step in homeschooling and it requires inner child work. Since identifying with this category I have spent more time doing the inner work. It's hard but worth it.

• Agile learning centers: Places that are like schools but facilitators are there for the children and to support their interests.

• Sudbury schools: Democratic schools that also allow children to follow their own curiosity.

• Micro-schools: Child centered spaces that serve a small community.

• Homeschool co-ops: Parent led spaces that may concentrate on one or multiple subjects and meet up regularly.

• Nature groups: Outdoor meetups led by a parent or a nature center.

• Forest schools: Geared towards observing nature and spending time outdoors.

• Libraries

As you can see there are far more choices than in years past and with the advent of technology we can find them with a quick Google search or by joining one of the thousands of FB communities dedicated to alternative education.

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My birthday is in August and when I was a child it got mixed with the going-back-to-school activities. I don't remember feeling anxious about the grade itself but I do remember my mom's anxiety about not having enough money to buy all of the books and materials needed for the upcoming school year. So it got me thinking how many people actually begin this month with unpleasant thoughts or feelings about going-back-to-school. Many can be excited but many are not. If you fall into the latter category and if you are looking for support then I would like to offer this in the form of a personalized Q&A session about what your choices are and how they can be implemented for you and your family. We are all beautifully different and what works for our family may not work for yours.

In our session I want to listen to your story, your fears and your doubts. Then I will share actionable steps and people that can help you get there if you are ready to make the leap. It's ok if you are not. My birthday is on August 26th and that is the cost of the session $26.00 USD. You can schedule your session by emailing me at hello@julietaduvall.com.

YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS, I HOPE YOU ARE MAKING IT COUNT!

With love & gratitude,

Julieta Duvall