Full Disclosure: A Fresh Perspective on Homeschooling During COVID-19

by SMG

My son holding a bird’s nest during our homeschooling moments—a reminder that children witness and participate in life’s lessons. San Agustin, Costa Rica (photo credit: Black and Wanderlust)

CoVid19 of 2020 has undeniably had some seriously devastating effects. At the time of writing, my father is battling the virus, my mother is recovering, and many friends and family didn’t have such happy endings. Yet, amid the chaos, there are silver linings—one of the most profound being homeschooling.

Most of us are accustomed to dressing ourselves up and doing our “real” work away from the gaze of our children. On special occasions, our children may accompany us to our workplaces, but usually, who we are as breadwinners, community leaders, staff members, business owners, and people builders is separated from who we are as parents. How many of us grew up benefiting from hot meals, warm shelter, and clean clothes, but were blind to the magic it took to make that happen? How many of us saw our parents pour into us while quietly shouldering fears, frustrations, and sacrifices behind closed doors?

For the first time internationally, we are required to return to an ancestral model of parenting; children work alongside us as witnesses and participants of what we preach. Our families are our primary ministries.

Faith Lesson 1: Seeing Your Work as Ministry

Homeschooling, parenting, and modeling resilience are not just tasks—they are sacred acts of service. By allowing children to witness our daily work, we reveal that every effort, sacrifice, and intentional action is an offering of faith in practice.

Faith Lesson 2: Returning to Ancestral Wisdom

Involving children in real work mirrors the practices of our ancestors, where life skills, responsibility, and values were taught through participation, not just instruction. This is a way to connect modern parenting with historical and spiritual truths.

“For the first time internationally, we are required to return to an ancestral model of parenting; children work alongside us as witnesses and participants of what we preach.”

In this rare moment, children can see us fully, intimately, and daily—not just the vision, but the sweat, patience, and intentionality behind it. We can nurture their intellectual development while pursuing our own dreams, affirming our emotional selves, and modeling integrity in action. Though much work has become digitized, the effort is hands-on and explicit. As we prepare our children for the virtual world ahead, we also present a model of life grounded in presence, intention, and accountability.

Transformational Practice: Intentional Homeschooling & Co-Living

1. Schedule daily routines where children can observe and participate in meaningful tasks. 2. Explain why these tasks matter to your work and values.

3. Allow children to take small, guided responsibilities.

4. Debrief together at the end of the day—share challenges, celebrate wins, and reflect on what was learned.

5. Model self-care, emotional regulation, and perseverance so they learn by example.

The past few years of living abroad, working from home, and homeschooling have not been a never-ending vacation. For us, this is life training—preparing our children to witness resilience, dedication, and intentional living in action.

Hey, BlackandWanderlust, how could you model your values and work ethic more transparently for the next generation, even in challenging circumstances? Share your stories with us!

#fulldisclosure #homeschooling #surviving #thriving #lifetraining #familyministry #worklifebalance #homeostasis #TheZuluBrownz #ChefGiGi #MusingsfromaWanderingMind #wanderlust #BlackandWanderlust

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SMG is a storyteller, photographer, and founder of Black and Wanderlust™. She captures life’s adventures and quiet moments alike, blending faith, family, and wanderlust into stories that inspire intentional living and authentic joy.