6 Back-to-School Tips for Christian Parents and Students
Back-to-school season is an exciting and thrilling experience for everyone and it is also time for some school supplies shopping and getting ready for school. However, this time is also a huge transition for both parents and students as they may face many challenges in life. And as a Christian parent, we should equip our children with wisdom and teaching from God to succeed in this matter.
Here are some back-to-school tips that God wants you to fulfill as a parent and child.
Start your day with a prayer.
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” – Psalm 5:3
Start your day communicating with God and ask your child to pray with you in the morning before they leave for school. Commit everyone’s life to God and ask Him for protection and guidance. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” – Psalm 143:8 Your child may face some issues and challenges in school such as peer pressure and temptation, so teach them that prayer is an essential part of life and it is the most powerful armor against evil. Thus, prayer can release our anxiety, boost our confidence and it can even solve our problems. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Equip them with God’s Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
As a parent, we all have the responsibility for our child’s faith. Establish a bedtime and nighttime routine with your children and read the Bible together. Thus, if your child doesn’t know how to read yet — you can watch some animated Bible stories with them. Reading the Bible can help us gain wisdom from God and it reminds us of His promises. “Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105. God’s Word will also make us stronger, gives us joy and it nourishes our mind and soul. “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you.” – Isaiah 35:3-4
Eat breakfast together.
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, no matter how busy you are, make an effort to prepare and eat breakfast with your children. “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5 Eating breakfast can also help to improve their cognitive skills, perform better in school and it makes them feel happier and active too. Thus, eating together will build a good relationship with your family and it has a big impact on your child’s growth and development. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Prepare a healthy lunch and snacks for school.
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you, it shall be for meat.” – Genesis 1:29
Packing up their lunch and snacks will make your kids feel loved and special — it will also bring you peace of mind because you don’t need to worry about what they will eat at school. Add some notes, treats or reminder on their lunch box that can bring a smile on their face. Give them healthy foods such as sandwiches, vegetables, and fruits; and avoid giving them food that is salty and unhealthy like chips, cookies and candies. “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.” – Proverbs 25:27 Also, don’t forget to give them water, fresh juice or smoothies to keep them fresh and hydrated. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Ask about their day and review their homework.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Set aside some time to sit down with your child and have a good conversation with them — ask them about the school, what did they learn, how they are doing and check if they have homework; review their homework and ask if they need anything from you or your assistance. Remember, we are our child’s teacher at home, so teach and guide them accordingly. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 1:8 Thus, if your child is having a bad day at school or dealing with an anxiety issue — comfort them and remind them that God will help them to go through it. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13
Know your child’s school and friends.
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” – Proverbs 27:9
Accompany your child in their school orientation and tour with them on their campus. Go through your child’s school handbook and read their school rules and policies. Knowing your child’s company and friends are also important — meet their friends in some school events or in your neighborhood and talk to them. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20 Also, if you notice that your child has behavioral issues or falling behind their grades, find out why and talk to their teachers personally. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 Thus, make your home warm and inviting for your child’s friend and let your child know that their friends are welcome in your home.
Also, set some house rules and goals during this season and encourage them to read or play without using their gadgets. Coloring books, scrapbooking, journaling or playing educational board games are some of the activities that are beneficial for them — these activities can stimulate creativity, strengthen writing and communication skills. Thus, give them rewards for their success and achievements to motivate them to study harder. Above all, give time to worship and serve the Lord together with your family regularly and commit your lives to Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33