In part three of my School Choice Series, I sit down with my friend Emily Fenlaw to talk about all things public school. With four children who have experienced everything from traditional public school to the talented and gifted program, an all-girls school, and an arts-focused school, Emily has navigated the many options and transitions that public education can offer.

She also shares candidly about parenting children with ADHD — walking through 504 plans, medication decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to support executive functioning at home. Through it all she learned to be a student of her child to discover the best path for them.

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:

• The beauty of building relationships with families from all walks of life
• How introverts and extroverts can uniquely flourish in public school environments
• You can only make the best decision you can with the information you have

• The challenges of public school and navigating relationships with other parents

• Instagram: @EmFenlaw
• Get notified when her tshirt business launches

• School Choice Series: Private to Public School with Misty Persefield:: [Ep 560]
• School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559]
• The School of Dependency on Christ :: Wendy Speake [Ep 240]

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In part two of my School Choice Series, I sit down with Misty Persefield, a mom of three, to talk candidly about navigating school choice from the early years through high school. Misty shares her family’s journey through private and public schools, the fears she faced, and the peace that came from trusting God rather than comparing herself to others. This conversation offers reassurance for moms carrying the weight of making the “right” educational choices and highlights the importance of keeping fear out of the decision-making process.

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:

• Challenges of private school, including finances and high expectations
• The importance of knowing yourself, your child, and your family culture
• Pivoting from private to public school for high school
• Starting kids early vs. late, especially for boys based on birthdays

• Preparing kids for college by “taking off the bubble wrap” while they’re still at home

• Instagram: Misty Persefield (@mistypersefield)
• Website: Marketing Agency | Misty Persefield Marketing and Media

• Shame, Perfectionism and Smiling Depression :: Misty Persefield and Stephanie Coker [Ep 154]
• School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559]
• Confidence in Parenting Decisions :: Laura Wifler [Ep 497]

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In episode one of my School Choice Series, Kris Habashy shares her family’s journey from homeschooling to Christian private education. From navigating dyslexia to the challenges of transitioning middle schoolers, Kris offers a heartfelt, honest look at the joys, struggles, and unexpected growth that come with trusting God in your educational choices.

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:

• Why Kris initially chose to homeschool and how her personality and family dynamics played a role.
• The challenges of transitioning kids from homeschooling to private school — especially in middle school.
• The importance of nurturing your own growth as a mom while guiding your kids.
• Families navigating dyslexia, learning differences, or anxiety around school transitions.

• Instagram: (I don’t see any SM for her, do you mind asking?)
• Facebook:
• Website: Stress management coaching for life’s major moments

• Living Fearless: By Jamie Winship

• Expect the Hard, Experience the Good :: Kris Habashy (part 1) Ep 34
• Expect the Hard, Experience the Good (Part Two) :: Kris Habashy {Ep 35}
• Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433]

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