As a mother of four, I take my role in the education of each of my children seriously. My husband and I have always worked hard to give our kids the best education we can afford. Every decision and every sacrifice centers on giving them the best chance to thrive. When I heard about Idaho’s new Parental Choice Tax Credit, I was genuinely excited. I wanted to learn more, not just for my own family, but for other parents at our school who were also trying to understand what this new program could mean for them.

We believe that the right learning environment can shape not only academics, but also a child’s confidence and joy in learning. We wanted a place where our children could flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. Because of that, we’ve made sacrifices.

Last week, I made time to attend one of the recent town hall meetings about the Parental Choice Tax Credit. I walked in, grateful for the opportunity to be seen and heard. I was hopeful and expected to learn more about how the program would work, what families needed to do to apply, and what kinds of expenses would qualify. But almost as soon as the meeting began, the atmosphere grew tense.

Instead of an information session, it quickly turned into a debate. A few loud voices dominated the room, turning what could have been a helpful community conversation into something overwhelming. It was hard, and at times nearly impossible to ask questions. I didn’t go there to argue. I went to listen, to learn, and to make sure I could bring accurate information back to other families.

I held my head high and asked the questions I came to ask. I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity to pursue assistance in advancing my children’s well-rounded school experience. I am grateful to the state leaders in attendance who ensured that, through the attempts to disrupt the information session, our important questions were answered and walked us through the new program.

But that experience stuck with me, because this program was created for families like mine, families who care deeply about their children’s education and make real sacrifices every day to give them what they need.

This conversation mattered deeply to me because I know firsthand what it feels like when your child is struggling in a learning environment that is just not the right fit. When my oldest child started school, we quickly realized that the traditional classroom wasn’t working for him. He was overwhelmed, discouraged, and disconnected. He struggled with the learning environment and the social interactions, often coming home frustrated and in tears.

Luckily, we found a small start-up preschool and kindergarten program, and the difference was night and day. He flourished and developed meaningful friendships with his teachers and peers. School became his favorite part of the week, and I knew we had found something that clicked for our family. I even had the chance to work at that school for a while and to be my daughter’s teacher for a year.

Now, I’m home with my younger children, but my older ones continue to thrive at their favorite little school up the road. They’re straight-A students with a rigorous and challenging course load. They’re thriving socially and are both bright, well-spoken individuals. We hope to continue keeping them there, no matter the financial cost.

Still, keeping them there has never been easy. My husband and I budget carefully every year to make it work. We do it because we’ve seen the difference it makes, but not every family can.

The new program gives families financial freedom to choose the right fit for their child and eases the burden on families like mine.

I don’t write this to criticize my fellow Idahoans, but to say this program was made to help families show up day after day for their kids. We’re not enemies. We’re parents asking for a chance. Giving parents the ability to choose isn’t a threat. It embraces the reality that every student is different.

Parents should never feel discouraged to ask questions about how to support their children’s education. My hope is that moving forward, these conversations can be filled with more listening, more understanding, and more respect for the fact that every family’s story looks a little different. Because in the end, we all want the same thing: to see Idaho’s children flourish.

— Carlye Carleton is a mother of four and a Meridian, Idaho, resident.