Back to school? Not quite! Depending on your child’s school, there may still be several weeks of summer remaining. And after months of summer camps and team sports, you may be hitting the top of your budget—especially when you factor in back-to-school shopping.

Summer days will soon give way to the start of a brand new school year. With any luck, your child has had a relaxing, fun-filled vacation, all while avoiding the summer slide. As you and your child transition from summer to back-to-school routines, you can set them up for success from the first day they re-enter their school’s doors.

With summer in full swing, many parents have enrolled their children in seasonal activities to keep them engaged and entertained during the break. While these activities offer a respite from school and a chance to socialize with friends, they can also positively impact academic performance. 

Social-emotional learning refers to how children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors. Although children seem to learn these skills automatically as they get older, the truth is that the adults in their lives have more influence than you might think. When you tune into your child’s social-emotional skills, you can equip them to understand themselves better, regulate their emotions, communicate their wants and needs, handle challenges, and interact with others appropriately. 

Whether it’s their personality, interests, or learning needs, there are many reasons parents may decide that home education is a better choice for them compared to public, charter, or private schools. We’ll share some of the common reasons parents give for homeschooling their children to help you decide if home education is right for your family.