During the pandemic, we were told to “get used to the new normal.” Masks, remote learning, and social distancing were pushed as the answer. But let’s be honest—was any of that truly normal, or even healthy?

I believe the events of 2020 weren’t just a public health crisis—they were a wake-up call. Since then, anxiety and depression in children and teens have skyrocketed. Test scores have plummeted. And our kids feel more isolated than ever.

Yet we’re still trying to force them back into the same broken systems.

It’s time to stop accepting what’s convenient for institutions and start focusing on what’s actually best for kids.

What if the real new normal looked like this:

• Small learning groups where every child is known
• Outdoor education that supports mental and physical health
• Real-life skills that matter more than standardized tests
• A culture of connection instead of competition

This isn’t radical—it’s what children need.

Parents, we have a choice. We don’t have to buy into fear or one-size-fits-all education. We can choose a different path—one rooted in nature, community, and purpose.

That’s why we’re launching Stonewall Forest Academy, a homeschool tutorial designed for creative thinkers. It’s outdoor-based, hands-on, and centered around real skills like gardening, forestry, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is simple: help children thrive while being good stewards of the land—and of themselves.

The old normal failed our kids. Let’s not repeat it.