School?!

Wait... so you mean she doesn't just stay at daycare forever and ever... how is she already at the age to start thinking about school?! She's only THREE!!

Moms... is this real? You're just going about your business and all of a sudden you're getting questioned... so where's she going to go to school? Are you going to send her early? Late? What about private? Public? Montessori? Pre school or pre-k just kindergarten? Will she stay at daycare, or transition to a whole new space? You and your husband both work, how's that gonna go with schedules? 

That right there is enough to make me spiral... and I did! I mean it's a big decision... this is her entire life we're talking about - we have to make the right choice now or we're forever impacting her future!! (dramatic I know... but I can't be the only one thinking these things right...)

So where do you go, how do you find these answers? Besides the obvious of talking to my husband, her daycare provider, the other Moms of the girls her age at daycare... I went to my church. Church?! Why church?! Let me tell you what, it was the best decision I ever made... 

I chose to email a couple of different people and got some of the best answers. One immediately responded and I ended up meeting with her - I'm so glad I did. While I was in full parent spiral mode she helped me calm down, and come back to reality... the reality of; your decision isn't permanent - you can change anytime, you're showing her she's loved and cared for that's all that matters - she won't remember what preschool you did or didn't send her to, you know your child better than anyone else so focus on what she needs and you'll find your answer. We also revisited the truths and values we chose for her during her childhood dedication - reminding me that if we align with those and how we show her the path to God then we're doing the right thing. Man talk about a weight lifted off my shoulders - not because I made a decision yet, but because I was reminded that God's got this and it's not THAT deep. Another response was also super helpful in reminding me that we're a 'no matter church' and so many people choose so many options and they're all still welcomed and loved by God - man isn't that a cool thing to know. Another reminder that it's more about your why than what; making sure we're not choosing out of fear - and a desire to keep ourselves insulated - but to be on the path to love your neighbor as Jesus loved you. The best reminder: I don't think you can screw this up ;) 

So the moral of the story here? When you catch yourself spiraling... stop and remind yourself that God's got this. He's got you and your family and that's the piece that matters. Reach out when you need a reminder of that, connect with others on your journey (and others who aren't because you want multiple perspectives, not just one sided). 

If you're comfortable sharing - let me know your schooling of choice! A why you love it, or don't love it if that's the case too! I'd love to hear all the things - because knowledge and community is power :)