Honeymoon Phases & the Reckonings

Author's note: When I use the term "honeymoon phase," I'm referring to the excitement of beginning something new—not romance.

Around this time each year, as first-quarter report cards go out, inquiries about Deep Root Center and homeschooling surge. The shine has worn off the school year. The honeymoon phase is over, and the reality of every day hits hard.

Many young people get swept up in the cultural ritual of "back to school"—the crisp notebooks, the unmarked sneakers, the carefully chosen new outfits. These aren't just supplies; they're talismans, quiet promises: This year will be different. This year I'll fit in. I'll make real friends. I'll finally understand what everyone's talking about. I'll stay on top of the work. I'll remain calm, focused, and in control.

By the end of the first marking period, the gap between hope and reality becomes impossible to ignore. School refusals spike. Self-doubt takes root, twisting into self-blame. Many of these kids may not be utterly miserable yet—but they're heading in that direction

My conversations with young people and their families start with one essential truth: This isn't your fault. School feeling impossibly hard doesn't mean something is wrong with you—it means you're being forced into a system built for uniformity. We're all unique individuals, wired differently, with distinct needs and ways of learning, yet school operates as if one size fits all, both academically and socially.

Homeschooling and self-directed learning—whether on your own or at Deep Root Center—can flip the script entirely. The very things that make you feel like a misfit in traditional school (your pace, your interests, your way of thinking) become assets instead of liabilities. You take charge of your education, exploring what makes your heart sing.

Don't get me wrong—the honeymoon phase ends at DRC too. It just looks and feels different. After two months, kids know each other well enough to get comfortable—sometimes too comfortable. They forget that respect and kindness aren't negotiable; they're our baseline. I call it the sibling effect: when you feel secure with people, it's easy to slip into unkindness, disrespect, and snarkiness disguised as humor. 

​But here's the difference: when the honeymoon ends at DRC, we don't see it as failure. We see it as progress. Getting comfortable enough to test boundaries means you've found a place where you belong. And unlike traditional school, where struggling means you're falling behind, here it means we're doing the real work—learning how to be in community, how to advocate for yourself, how to repair when things go sideways. The missteps aren't signs you don't fit. They're proof you finally do. 

Contact Us to Learn More

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DRC News

Community Actions:
​We know times are tough. The cost of groceries and other necessities keeps climbing, SNAP benefits are likely delayed, and folks right here in our neighborhood are feeling it. That’s why DRC is in the process of setting up a Little Free Pantry—stocked and ready for anyone who needs a hand. 
We need your help stocking it with items that can brave the cold—nonperishable foods and personal care products designed to survive winter temperatures. 

Feel free to leave donations in the pantry or on the porch. If we happen to be there when you stop by, please knock—we’d love to see you and chat!
Just remember to check that items meet the cold-weather guidelines above. We’re so grateful for any support you can offer. We’ll keep you posted as we get it ready, or reach out anytime if you’d like to get more involved.
For those who prefer, we’ve created an Amazon Wishlist specifically for the DRC Little Free Pantry. Any item you purchase from the list will be sent to us directly. If you wish to be thanked, publicly, please include your name. Thank you!

Note: We will put together personal care and menstruation kits to place in the pantry with some of the items on the Amazon list.​

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Weekly Wrap-up
The DRC Crew enjoyed a chill week, including our Halloween Party on Friday that had the typical DRC vibe. 

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Pop-Ups

On Thursday, the Pop-Ups Peeps had fun at the Nicandri Nature Center, although the weather did not cooperate with them again.