Does Technology bring us closer, I Dare to Disagree

 Hey there, fellow parents! I wanted to chat about something that’s been on my mind as both a teacher and a mom—online learning, technology, and finding balance. You know, there’s so much pressure on kids (and on us as parents!) to keep up with everything digitally, but I think it’s important to take a step back and breathe sometimes. It’s all about balance. 

I mean, I love how technology can bring us closer in many ways—calling family members who live far away, getting access to resources for homeschool, or even watching shows with my daughter. But I also make sure that we take breaks. We walk, play chess, and enjoy our dog. These little things keep us grounded. Plus, I still enjoy the old-school feel of printing out articles, flipping through books, and finding creative ways to keep learning hands-on. I think we’ve lost a bit of that lately, and it’s worth holding onto. You don’t always need to have your face in a screen, you know? 

When I was growing up, the internet was a tool—not a necessity. We weren’t glued to it. I had my art, my radio, and my books. I didn’t rely on being online 24/7 to feel like I was learning or being productive. That’s something I want to pass on to my students and my daughter—use the internet as a resource, but don’t become dependent on it. You can still create, produce, and learn so much offline, and it’s just as valuable.

Let’s talk about schooling for a minute. Whether you homeschool or your child is in public school, it’s so important to emphasize that there are *many* paths to success. Growing up, there wasn’t much talk about trade schools or other options outside of college, and that’s a shame because not every kid is going to follow the same path. I was lucky to learn that trade skills, internships, and side hustles were valid ways to build a career. We need to start having more conversations with our kids about *all* their options. 

One thing I think we’re not emphasizing enough, especially in public school, is that learning isn’t about comparing yourself to others. Everyone has different goals, different family dynamics, and different cultural values. It’s about finding *your* path. This idea that we all have to follow the same checklist—get good grades, go to college, get the perfect job—is outdated. Life is more fluid than that, and I always tell my students to stay flexible and keep their options open. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success.

It’s also so valuable to teach kids how to multitask in a healthy way. Whether it’s working part-time while in school or learning how to manage a side hustle, these are skills that aren’t often taught, but they’re crucial. I’ve always had multiple income streams, and it’s helped me through tough times. It’s about having a mindset that allows you to pivot when things don’t go as planned and still work towards your goals. 

At the end of the day, it’s not just about grades or diplomas—it’s about life skills, problem-solving, and resilience. We need to raise kids who are determined, who can work through challenges, and who understand that life isn’t always linear. I want my daughter to know that setbacks don’t define her; they’re just part of the journey.

And here’s another thing I feel strongly about—schools (whether public, private, or homeschool) should focus more on *who* the students are becoming, not just what they’re doing academically. Are they kind? Do they care about their community? Do they understand how to take care of the world around them? These are just as important, if not more so, than getting an A in science or math.

We don’t need to wait for the education system to change; we can start taking charge now. As parents, we can give our kids the tools they need by getting them involved in things like volunteering, joining clubs, or even just having meaningful conversations at the dinner table. We have more influence than we think, and it’s up to us to guide them through this fast-paced, digital world without losing sight of what really matters.

So let’s keep the conversation going—about balance, about options, and about preparing our kids for *life*, not just the next test or grade. Let’s raise a generation that’s ready to face challenges head-on, who are adaptable, and who know that their worth isn’t tied to a screen or a score. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 #HomeschoolMom #ParentLife #BalanceInLearning #TechnologyAndKids #LifeSkillsMatter #ManyPathsToSuccess #OldSchoolLearning #ResilientKids #EducationIsLife #ParentingChats