“There are no stupid questions.”
Have you ever heard a teacher say that before?
After more than twenty years in the classroom, I found myself saying it often. And if I’m being honest, there were moments when I was tempted to think, “Okay, maybe there are a few questionable ones 🤣.” But the heart behind that phrase was always the same: I never wanted a student to feel afraid to ask. And that same idea holds true here for you as adults.
Choosing an online education for your child is a big step. It probably feels unfamiliar, maybe even hard to picture compared to walking into a school building each day. There’s no hallway, no room moms, no front office, no physical classroom to see; and for many families, having no physical building to enter can feel unsettling at first.
If you’ve ever thought, “Am I doing this right?” or “What does my role look like in all of this?” you are not alone.
That’s why I want to say this as clearly as I can: There are no stupid questions here. We want you to ask. We want you to reach out, even if you’re not sure what to say, how to word the question, or even where to start.
You are learning a new system, just like your child is, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. In fact, asking questions is the best way to learn how you can step into your role.
Because even though online learning may look and feel a bit different than what you’ve been used to, your role as a parent has not become smaller. It’s become much more intentional, and you play a key role in your child’s learning.
Online learning gives your student the opportunity to grow in independence, responsibility, and time management. Those are valuable life skills that we as parents want all of our children to build. At the same time, students are not meant to navigate that growth alone. They need support, structure, and encouragement at home.
Your presence matters more than you may realize.
Sometimes that presence looks like helping your child create a simple routine for when and where they will complete schoolwork. Sometimes it looks like checking in with them and asking, “What do you have coming up this week?” Other times, it may simply be noticing when they seem overwhelmed and helping them take the next small step forward. You are the eyes and ears for the team. You know your student better than anyone else.
While you do not have to be the teacher or the content expert, what you provide is every bit as valuable: accountability, a steady presence, encouragement, and consistency.
The apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians of the power of steady, intentional guidance when he says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
There are days when it may feel like you are reminding, checking, encouraging, and repeating yourself more than you would like. You may want to pull your hair out some days, but remember, it’s going to be okay. Do not grow weary! Keep on keepin’ on!
As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” Having to remind, check, and repeat yourself, does not mean online learning isn’t working. Those steady moments matter. Those reminders, check-ins, encouragement, and small repetitions are shaping habits, character, and confidence in your child over time. They will grow from it, I assure you.
Again, you know best what kind of environment your student needs, so you can determine how to provide the best support based on those needs.
Communication is another powerful way you can support your child’s success. Staying connected with your child’s instructors helps create a strong partnership. When questions come up or challenges arise, reaching out early makes a big difference. It allows us to work together to support your student before small issues become bigger ones.
We also want students to grow in independence so that there is a balance. Encourage your child to take the first step in communicating with their instructor, but assure them that you are there to support when needed. This is especially valuable in the middle and high school years.
Online education works best when it is a team effort.
At Sevenstar, we are truly grateful for the role you play. Your investment in your child’s education, your encouragement behind the scenes, and your partnership with our instructors all contribute to your child’s growth and success.
We count it a privilege to walk alongside you as you watch your child grow, learn, and step into who God is calling them to be.
And we’re here for you every step of the way.