Kid by kid, Year by Year

Life update for the Wiegand Fam 😍! Back to school…

but for us, it looks a little different this year!

If you’ve been around a while, you know we’ve always believed in kid by kid, year by year…. asking God for wisdom for each of our kids and trusting that their paths don’t have to look the same.

A big life update we’re stepping into with equal parts peace and surrender. 🫶🏼 A little life update… 🍎

This year, Apple is heading to public school for 7th grade!

She’s excited, peaceful, and has already made the sweetest friends through church. After watching Adelaide thrive in her own big school change last year, Apple felt like this was her year to try something new.

If you’ve been here for a while, you know this is how we’ve always approached school:

Kid by kid, year by year.

We ask questions. We stay open. We pray. And we hold our plans loosely.

What’s right one year might look different the next—and that’s okay. There’s so much freedom in giving yourself permission to pivot.

We’re proud of her courage, and cheering her on every step of the way. 🤍

Here’s to new chapters, growing up, and trusting your gut as a mama!

It feels like a marker—one of those moments you’ll look back on and say, “That’s when everything changed in the best way!”

Grateful for the grace to do this differently,

and for the nudge that reminded me: it’s okay to choose what’s best for your family, even if it looks different than what’s expected.

Here’s to a new chapter. 🤍

#lifelately #biglifeupdate #kidbykidyearbyyear #motherhoodjourney #backtoschoolseason

2025/8/5 Edited to

... Read moreParenting decisions about education are deeply personal and evolve with each child’s needs and growth. The approach of "kid by kid, year by year" encapsulates a flexible philosophy that honors each child’s unique learning style, social environment, and emotional readiness. This family's journey illustrates how letting go of rigid plans in favor of intentional listening and prayer can foster both peace and confidence in making transitions. For example, Apple’s shift to public school for 7th grade is not a sign of indecision but a courageous step inspired by her sister Adelaide’s positive experience with a school change the previous year. This mindset challenges the conventional one-size-fits-all model of education by validating that different children thrive in different environments—public, private, or homeschool—and these needs can change as kids grow. It emphasizes the importance of awareness, open communication, and adaptability for parents navigating the back-to-school season. The freedom to pivot enables parents to respond proactively to their child’s developmental stages and social needs. Trusting the process means understanding that educational success and happiness come from more than just academics. Social connections, emotional well-being, and personal growth equally factor in decisions. This approach encourages families to seek wisdom, embrace uncertainty, and celebrate milestones as meaningful markers of growth rather than just academic progress. For families facing school choice dilemmas, this story offers reassurance that it’s okay to choose paths that align with home values, community, and each child’s individual journey, even if it differs from societal expectations. Ultimately, “kid by kid, year by year” champions a parenting ethos grounded in grace, intentionality, and above all, love.

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