Education is a full-time job. It happens in the home. It happens on the playground. It happens in school and it happens after school. It even happens every night when you tuck your little ones into bed. Education is a full-time job.

That thought can be overwhelming to parents. Parents may want teachers and school administrators to take charge of their child’s education. The truth is that schools, whether public or private, big or small, simply don’t have the resources to educate a child fully. Complete education requires schools plus home plus the greater community.

How can a parent manage a child’s education if it does encompass school, home, the playground, and the community? First, parents need to think about their values, hopes, and dreams for their family. What’s most important? What do you think your child most needs in life? Then parents need to think about their child or children. Everyone knows they’re all different. Each child comes with his or her unique set of challenges, talents, interests and style.

Where does one start? First, start with the simple, rich habits and activities for babies – a solid, positive daily routine with nutrition, natural experiences such as walks, talks and play, stories, and of course, cuddle time. Then move on to family exploration and fun – a day at the playground, zoo, or local museum. Family games, projects, work, and activities offer young children as much excitement and more learning than sophisticated trips or events. It’s a series of circles moving out from the womb to the mother and father to the family, the neighborhood, school, community and world.

As your child grows, his or her energy and your dreams for that child will lead you. A child who sings and dances around the house every day will call you to locate theater groups, choirs, and dance. Children who never want you to put down the bedtime book will push you to visit the library more than the usual once-a-week visit. Energetic, always-on-the-move little ones will lead you to gym and pool memberships, sports teams, and playground friends. You’ll also want to create a healthy balance of social, emotional, physical and academic growth.

When school starts, you’ll notice that it’s a natural progression from the routines and events you’ve already engaged your child in. This time though you will no longer be in charge. The teacher will take charge of your child’s school day while seeking your input from time to time. If you choose a good school system, stay involved, read the notices and newsletters, and maintain a collegial relationship with the teacher, school will generally work well for your child. If it doesn’t work well, it will require greater problem solving and collaboration to make a plan that will work. If all that fails, you may find yourself seeking alternative schooling like charter schools, home school, or private school.

When the school bell rings at the end of the day though, education doesn’t stop. Play dates and afternoon fun is part of the learning too. Engaging in the social learning of friendship is a very important part of education for every child. You’ll want to facilitate the play, but not control it. This is your child’s opportunity to navigate his or her path to happiness. After school arts groups and sports teams also offer children invaluable opportunities to learn and grow under the tutelage of passionate coaches, artists and directors. When the optimal match occurs, coaches, artists, and directors can prove to be invaluable people in your child’s life – people who nurture their dreams, growth and passion.

Education is a full time job. As a parent you know that since your children are always challenging you to learn more and problem solve. Seize the opportunity to grow and foster growth in your children with a sense of adventure and optimism. Seek out like-minded parents to share the challenge with you. In doing do, you’ll demonstrate to your children that life in and of itself is an education; and what we learn makes the journey worth it.