“Parents can do it right, and we can change the trajectory of a family and therefore a culture and therefore an entire country.” – Kathy Koch
How can we help prepare our child’s hearts, minds, and habits for a successful, God-filled school year? Check out these ideas below to get your family started.
Simple Scripture
Before your child goes to school, begin the day with a short devotional and prayer time. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated. Ask God to soak scripture into the hearts of your family and pray specifically for your child, their friends, teachers, school staff, and their day. This habit will build a solid foundation in your child that God cares about them and will always be with them.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Get Involved
As a parent, it’s essential to know your child’s teacher, classmates, and staff at the school. Parents are a huge resource to schools. Plus, this is a great way to get to know who your child is meeting each day. There are many ways to help at your child’s school: donate supplies, make copies, cut/prepare artwork, teach a specific skill you have, volunteer at school events, etc.
Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
Snack-‘N’-Chat
After school is a great time to snack and chat with your child. Talk with them about the day’s events, what they learned, what they played at recess, etc. Ask open-ended questions where they can expand on their experiences. Be a good listener and try not to interject. Instead, let them speak and feel that it is a safe space to share their feelings, joys, frustration, or hurts. This “Snack and Chat” time can become a time of great blessings for your family.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”
Memory Verses
Read and memorize a scripture verse together as a family each day of the week. Perhaps, choose a verse that covers a specific topic you are trying to teach and have your child exhibit this at school and home throughout the week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your child soaks these words into their hearts. Bonus: this is a wonderful way for parents to memorize scripture. At the end of the week, have a Bible quiz and ask your child to recite it from memory. Then, get an ice cream cone as a treat. God promises that His Word will not return void. This activity can be a terrific reminder of God’s presence and promises.
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Biblical Storytime
Read with, to, and by your child each day. Storytime provides sweet moments of cuddling up with your child. Children’s Bibles are excellent opportunities for this. Read some classics together, along with your child’s favorite books, as this can help your children’s reading abilities and proficiency. Reading Bible stories at an early age can help develop your child’s vocabulary and create a biblical language!
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Starting a new school year can be daunting for children. Pack their day with family time, prayer, and God’s Word. The positive effects will not only influence your own family but also ripple across their school.
