Trusting the Nudge: Our Family's Journey Back to School
My children are 11 and 9, and tomorrow marks the first time that both of my kids are in full-time public school.
Our lives, and our perspective, changed in March, 2020. That's when I started looking outside the traditional system, when my 4-year-old in JK and my 2-year-old in part-time daycare suddenly came home full-time, thanks to the global pandemic.
For those who know me personally, or who've been at an event where I've shared my origin story, you know this: the idea of homeschooling was the turning point for me. It was the first time I truly turned toward and trusted my own intuition, the first time I did something outside the societal norm, something I felt, deep in my core, was important. This was bigger than me. This was about my children and their wellbeing. And right from the get-go, putting them in front of a screen, even six years ago, before all the warnings about the harm screens cause, was something I refused to do. I knew, somehow, that I couldn't succumb to a system that didn't support them.
The Before
If you'd told me in February 2020 (or any time before that) that I would become a homeschooling parent, I would have asked if you were on strong medication, or something illegal. There was no way I would keep my kids out of school. What about socialization? What about teaching? I'm not a teacher. How on earth could I provide them an education that would help them succeed in this world?
So I did a deep dive. I researched. I reached out to homeschooling groups and Facebook communities, trying to learn everything I could about what keeping my kids out of the public system would mean, how it would affect our family, and how I could support them in the best way possible.
What I didn't expect was to learn about the deep flaws in the public school system, and the vast opportunities waiting in the homeschool and alternate schooling world.
Unlearning & Unschooling Myself
The first thing I realized was that I needed to unschool myself, to unlearn so much. I grew up in the system. I didn't know any other way, and I certainly didn't know anything about rebelling against it. How could I work full-time, care for and now be responsible for 100% of my childrens education?
The book The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child’s Education, A New Way to Homeschool by Ainsley Arment became an important resource, one my husband and I often refer back to regularly. Homeschooling doesn't look the same for any two families. It's adaptable, flexible and it’s incredibly supportive. And it remains one of the best decisions I've ever made.
The Day Before Public School
Fast forward to today: the day before both my kids enter public school full-time.
My eldest's journey there started back in March 2024. She was at her part-time forest school, and the week before March Break, she jumped in the car and told me she'd just done her independent project presentation. I was caught off guard; I knew that presentation was planned for after March Break. That's when she said it: "I'm not going back. I'm going to public school." She did three months in the public system before summer, filled her cup with new learning, new friends, competing in the track and field competitions and representing her school at the regionals too.
Last year, she did a full school year in public school, and thoroughly enjoyed it while my youngest continued on with homeschool and forest school. It was this past spring that my youngest came to me, wanting to try public school too, starting this September. So here we are: my eldest heading into her second year, and my youngest starting her very first, both by their own choosing.
The Duality Of It
If you ask me how I'm feeling about them being "in the system," I'll be honest: I'm not thrilled. I'll also say that I'm happy to support their desire to be there. I also know there's value in what the school system can offer them. Some of this includes: exposure to more diversity, in people, perspectives, and ways of thinking that stretch beyond our own household and alternative schooling and extra curricular communities. Institutional challenges and the friction of navigating conflict and conflict resolution among more peers without their parents around. A variety of sports, arts, and ideas that reach further than what we can offer them. These are real gifts too, and I don't take them for granted.
And I know the limitations they'll face in the classroom, and that the way we've educated in our house won't change just because they're headed there Monday to Friday. The conversations, the inquiries, the opportunities to learn and grow at home, out in the community, and beyond, those will continue. I'll still pull them out of school for field trip opportunities, to make memories through experiences, and to get involved in ways beyond what the institution can provide.
What I do know is that we've prepared them for moments like this. They've always been encouraged, to speak up for themselves, to know their own voice and trust it. They are kind, smart, and they are willing to do hard things, even when those things are unfamiliar or uncomfortable. They are confident, and they are aware, of themselves, of others, and of the world around them. We are proud of the way we've taught them: not to do things just because they've always been done, but to be respectful and still challenge the status quo.
Different Opportunities
I'm also excited about the opportunities this opens up for our family, through having more time to invest in Rooted Woodland. The increase in hours I plan to spend supporting families and individuals through contrast therapy, grounding in the forest, and courageous conversations will be more than I've ever had to give before.
The fact that we've been able to help our girls grow, feel safe sharing when they want a change that aligns for them, and support them through it, brings me so much joy. Big transitions are happening over here, and I'm doing everything I can to support them, and myself, through this time.
How I am Supporting Myself During This Time of Transition
I highlighted my calendar this week with a note: "stay mindful when booking” at the top of each day. And still, I booked a contract with a business I've been supporting over the past few months, and I'll be spending a day with them. I'm supporting one family through their courageous conversation, here at Rooted Woodland. And I am excited for a mastermind day with my business coach and community, followed by a spa session for integration. I have lots of back-end work I could do, and I'll see how my focus holds up. Most importantly we have nothing in ink for our family on the calendar next weekend. It will be about rest, connection, and reflection. Overall, it's shaping up to be a spacious week, one where I get to pour into others through my work, and take care of myself too.
Transitions Look Different In Every Home
I've seen videos this week of parents dropping their kids off at university and college, and families getting their little ones ready for kindergarten. At the end of the day, you never know what someone is going through, and this week, so many parents are moving through bigger transitions than usual.
Be kind. Be curious. And if you know someone going through a transition right now, don't hold back. Let them know you're thinking of them, and support them in whatever way feels good and doable for you.
If you're navigating a transition of your own this season, I'd love to hold space for you
at Rooted Woodland:
Headphones & Heartbeats, Sunday, Sept 27: A family experience for connection and nervous-system regulation through breath and movement, followed by a BYO picnic social. A beautiful way to reset together as a family this back-to-school season.
REUNION, Oct 1: A women's only dance party where you will be encouraged to remember who you really are, honouring the act of choosing time for yourself.
Let Go and Let In, Saturday, Oct 24: A day retreat for women who are ready to release what the season no longer needs and refill for what's ahead.
I'd love to see you at one (or all!) of these. Reserve your spot for our fall wellness events at Rooted Woodland.
Wherever you are in your own transition this season, I hope you feel less alone in it.
With love and gratitude,
Jodie
