by: Stephanie Gonzalez, CEO & Managing Partner photo by: Stephanie Ringleb Photography As a parent, I am often in awe of two things. One: how amazing my parents were and how blessed I was to be chosen by them as I am a courier of lessons from them to me…and now, from me to my boys. Two: how life (and the universe) prepares you if you are aware. Like most parents right now, we are all confronted with a new way of school-life. We have small choices to make each day. But, we face larger decisions that we know will affect our children long-term and we pray to make the correct right- or left-turn in the road. After a tumultuous first few weeks of home-schooling in March/April I was forced to keep trying different approaches. Round 1, in the Spring of 2020, I invested time with Dillon, my 10-year old. It paid off. We felt each other’s time, trust, patience and industriousness. He and I literally had a break-through moment. The time we spent (most of it not easy) gave him a foundation of discipline that he is carrying into Round 2, Fall 2020. I can tangibly feel his humble confidence. Truthfully, I was more overwhelmed by the thought of tackling the attention and focus of Jonah, my 8-year old. He and I often run on perpendicular planes. In March/April I did not even know where to begin to help him. But, I saw the results of that decision this summer. I felt him slip into obscurity; actually, I think he was happy to be there. But, as a parent you must stay aware to give your child the greatest opportunities for achieving. Heading into Fall 2020 with Jonah I was determined to do it right, by being better. #@*!& YES! Two main success-strategies to share… First: When I dedicate the first 60-minutes of school to be by Jonah’s side, the shift is miraculous. We get him set-up, logged in, pull all the books or materials he needs and I am by his side as a co-teacher for the first 1-2 lessons. The shift in his energy, focus and confidence results in an entirely different day then when not assisting him. Second: I am meeting Jonah where HE IS, not where I want him to be. Josh, my husband, always jests “Jonah isn’t here for a long time, he’s here for a good time.” Jonah loves to have fun. He makes a joke or game out of everything he does. I had to stop playing by my rules, and start playing by his rules – if I really wanted to make an impact. So, I shifted my strategy and put the F-U-N in all school and homework. The results have been transformative (for he and I both). WOW! Last week – it hit me like a punch in the gut. I am for my son what my Dad was for me.