Leslie and I have two boys, and I often get asked about the things we do as parents to help them win. So, I wanted to share this to you. Feel free to take an idea or share one with a friend too.
As a former teacher married to a teacher, we feel the stress and excitement of the first week of school as both professionals and parents.
With the school year right around the corner, here are four simple things we do that have been meaningful.
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- We pray over our kids one by one the night before school. This is a way to remind them that when we aren’t with them, God is always with them. It’s also an opportunity for them to hear us thank God for how He’s made them as we pray with a hand on their shoulder and end with a hug. No matter a child's age (even college age), this is worth it. You can do the same thing for the first day of anything in your child or grandchild’s life, even with adult kids.
- We celebrate the first day of school, no matter how it went. Usually, this involves a trip to a restaurant or ordering pizza. When our kids head to school on the first day, they know tonight will be fun and a chance to talk with us regardless of how the first day is went.
- We are available in the evenings during week one. We try very hard to keep ourselves from over-scheduling the first week. Day one comes with a lot of adrenaline and emotion, but after that wears off, days 3 and 4 can be when the real parenting/coaching happens. They are also tiring. You want to be available for conversations after school and prayer at bedtime.
- We choose trust with teachers. Kids can be quick to judge their teachers from day one. We always speak highly of teachers in front of our kids (even if there is some tension). Our kids won’t love learning if we speak poorly of their educators. If you need to meet with a teacher, give them the benefit of the doubt. When I was a teacher, parents often didn’t get the complete picture from their child. You may have a point, but speaking truth with grace and humility as a parent creates safety for a teacher to do the same. As Jesus followers, let’s lead the way.
I share these with hopes of helping you, or parents you know, to start the year off strong. We’re praying for you and cheering you on at Connexus this coming September!
