The summer has ended and our kids are starting back to school. Now is the time to think “outside the backpack”! You need to look at the list for your kid’s school at H.E.B. or WalMart so you will not forget the #2 pencils, notebooks, and glue sticks. All of these things are essential for your student to be ready to return to the classroom. But, I believe the following to be a list of ways we can have a positive impact on our children’s education, help them have a successful experience, and make this year the best one yet.
Prayer. Parents and grandparents should start praying for your children immediately. Pray for any specific needs or fears your student has, such as attending Travis, or riding the school bus for the first time. Also pray for the teachers and friends – in fact, why don’t you get your student and pray together about these issues.
For the parents of public school students, a commitment to begin or join a weekly prayer group that is committed to praying for our schools would be a great idea. For homeschooling, block out time each day during school hours to pray with your children.
Enforce Structured Sleep Patterns. Children perform at a higher level, both academically and physically, if they get adequate rest on a consistent basis. After not having a structured schedule for the summer, our children’s sleep patterns will need to be retrained. However, it is best to make this process gradual.
For example, if your child has been getting up at 9:30 each morning during the summer, do not wait until school begins to wake him up at 6:00. Begin now, gradually each day, setting the alarm clock closer to the time he needs to get up. When children are eased into an earlier wake time, they will be more rested when it is time to return to the classroom, and the benefit for you will be less “school-morning stress”!
The same principle applies for the evening routine. Now it is still fairly light outside, so allow the child to read in bed to give them opportunity to unwind before settling down for the night.
Serve Nutritious Meals and Snacks. A child’s growing mind and body needs a variety of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy oil should form the foundation of our children’s diets.
Do not allow children to skip breakfast, even when all oversleep! According to the American Dietetic Association, when children skip this essential meal, their brains and bodies suffer all day long. Since mornings tend to be rushed, be sure to stock your refrigerator and pantry ahead of time with this in mind.
After-school snacks should be healthy as well. Ideas include an apple with peanut butter (Am I really writing this? I can’t stand even the smell of peanut butter!), yogurt topped with granola, whole-grain crackers with cheese, or a fruit smoothie to provide them the lift they need to make it to dinner time. Avoid the temptation to buy processed foods containing a lot of sugar, which will give your child a quick does of energy that will not last.
Feed Your Children The Word. As parents of children who will one day stand before God, we must recognize and take advantage of teachable moments with our children. While eating breakfast or the after-school snack, share a Bible verse with them. Skip the sermon and simply share a nugget of truth, which can be discussed.
Challenge your child to recite a memory verse. Incorporate God’s Word into your family’s daily activities and God will honor your diligent efforts to train your children in righteousness.
Get To Know Your Children’s Teachers. Most public and private schools offer a meet-and-greet time with the teacher near the end of summer vacation. Be sure to attend, as it will help children feel more confident in returning to the classroom. It also will allow you to introduce yourself to the teacher.
Stay in contact with your children’s teachers throughout the year. Write notes of encouragement. Find out when to send a birthday greeting. Ask about prayer needs.
Have Lunch Dates With Your Children. When your schedule is flexible, join your child for lunch. Your children will look forward to your visit and will love showing you off, especially if you are the dad!
View School As A Mission Field. Help your children witness to their classmates. Impress upon them the importance of sharing Christ’s love wherever they are. Help them look out for the child who is playing alone or eating alone and see what a difference they can make if they will play or eat with them. It is okay for your children to invite kids to church or Friday Night Youth activities. Most of your children’s classmates’ home lives will not be as positive as yours.
My list of seven tips should be only a start in getting you to think of other resources and tactics to help your child have a wonderful year of personal and spiritual growth. Be a partner in your children’s education and together your children and you will grow!
