Bettina Carlos has enrolled her eight-year-old daughter Gummy back in a regular school.
"OUR HUMBLE RETURN TO SCHOOL," the single mom wrote in her Instagram post dated August 14.
"After a year of trying homeschooling and enjoying time and travel freedom but also admittedly (me) struggling with time discipline routine and structure, we have decided to go back to school."
For a time, Bettina said she "felt like a failure" because she had thought of giving homeschooling another shot.
She said, "My pride refused to give up. No, pinasok ko to ginusto ko to papangatawanan ko to. I know the Lord was training me through it too.
"My patience graciousness kindness, but I really struggled teaching Gummy the discipline of time and following a schedule."
But the set-up had caused a strain between them.
She continued, "When I become strict teacher I become 'bad mom'. Sad to say I tend to be a momster. [sad emoji] (Stress of work to do after and the delay of getting things done).
"I had to make a choice to save the relationship and delegate academics."
At the peak of her struggle and "quiet frustration" over choosing which school set-up would be best for her daughter, she decided to ask Gummy.
The single mom recounted this moment in her post. It read, "I gently asked G if she wants to go back to school.
"I also let her know that its ok if she wants to. G is very sensitive not to hurt other peoples feelings especially mine.
"At 8 she knows that I may feel like she doesnt want me if she chooses school. But I praise God that at that moment we were both calm humble & open to listen to each others hearts.
"She said she wants to homeschool because she loves spending time with me BUT she really misses having playmates everyday (something I also struggle with cos I cant give myself to her all the time for the long play time she wants plus she gets sad when I need to be away to attend to other matters—solo child of a solo mom syndrome maybe? Our reality is I need to work still. I will still be away sometimes.)
"I assured her Im okay.:)
"So at that moment we both agreed to try to go back to her old school—my only school of choice too.
"And today she starts as a 3rd grader. [heart sparkle emoji]"
In a previous interview, Bettina revealed her reason for choosing to homeschool her daughter: She wanted "more intentional time to mold her, to shape her values."
The set-up also gave Bettinna and Gummy more time together.
But now that Gummy goes to a regular school, she is excited to see how her daughter will continue to grow up in this new season of her life.