You might be sitting with a cup of coffee in your hand as you feel overwhelmed by all of your failed attempts to keep your homeschooled child motivated. I understand; I feel your pain. When a child is born, we as parents have all these visions about that child, and we can imagine how the future should unfold. We can see them graduate from a dream college, and start an amazing career. Then the child starts preschool or kindergarten and our sand castle starts to fall apart. The well-planned path becomes bumpy, and the ride is not so enjoyable. You are exhausted and don't know what to do.

It is very important to carefully consider your options when it comes to online middle school. There are many middle schools online; some better, some worse. Choosing the right one takes some effort and research. Consider if online middle school learning is good for you. Everybody learns differently. Match your online middle school choice to your personality. If you are more of a hands-on learner, you probably need hands-on to learn Science. There are science kits available for many online middle school curriculums. If your faith is a priority and you want a God-centered education, you should look for an Christian online middle school like Enlightium Academy.

Once you and your parents decide that you will go to online middle school, you may not know what to expect, and you don’t know whether you will like it or not. Here are a few things you should know about online middle school.

Have you ever felt lonely? I sure have. There are so many lonely people who could use some kind words on coping with loneliness.

For my daughter, it started in preschool and it got worse in Kindergarten. Kids are so nervous to go to school, because they are afraid of being alone. My daughter told me one day, “Although school goes great I am still very lonely. I have no friends.” It almost broke my heart.

Part 2: How to prepare for a successful online school year

I promised to return with some more things to keep in might throughout the new school year.

Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

This Bible verse says it all. The most important thing to remember this school year is Who you are working for. Here are some helpful thoughts.

Part 1: How to prepare for a successful online school year

At the beginning of each school year many parents and students are asking many “how to”questions. How to get a good grade? How to write a good essay? How to prepare for a quiz or test? And the big one: how should I prepare for a successful online school year?

Instructions for how to prepare for the school year are often read then quickly forgotten. As the weeks go by the enthusiasm of starting a new school year fades in and out. This year will be the same, but I would like to emphasize some tips for preparing for a successful school year that are especially relevant to online students: 

I fought a lot with my brother when I was growing up, and I am pretty sure he started to get his white hair during my teenage years. I was rebellious from my first day of life.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “ And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Now as a parent I have been searching for guidance on how I can raise children that get along with others.