It seems like summer has only just begun when suddenly the stores are filled with
backpacks, lunch kits, notebooks, and reminders that another school year is just around
the corner.

For many families, going back to school brings a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
Children may be looking forward to seeing their friends, meeting a new teacher, or
participating in activities. At the same time, they may be wondering: Will I like my
teacher? Will my friends be in my class? Will the work be harder? Will I fit in?

And parents have their own list of questions and concerns!

After weeks of later bedtimes, vacations and relaxed schedules, getting everyone back
into a routine can be a challenge. The good news is that a few simple steps can make
the transition easier for the entire family.

Start the Routine Before the First Bell Rings

Don’t wait until the night before school to suddenly change everything. A few days
before school begins, start moving bedtime and wake-up time closer to the school
schedule.

Prepare backpacks and clothing the night before and begin returning to regular
mealtimes. Small changes ahead of time can make that first week much less stressful.

A couple of simple ideas can help:

• Prepare together. Let your child help organize their backpack,
  choose clothes, prepare lunches, or create a morning routine. Giving children
  some responsibility can turn anxiety into anticipation.
• Talk—and listen. Ask what they’re looking forward to and what
  they’re concerned about. Sometimes children don’t need us to solve the problem;
  they simply need to know we’re listening.

Pray About the School Year Together

One of the greatest things we can give our children as they head back to school
doesn’t fit inside a backpack. We can pray with them.

• Pray for their teacher.
• Pray for their classmates.
• Pray that they will make good friends.
• Pray that they will have courage when they face difficult situations.
• Pray that they will remember that wherever they go, God goes with them.

Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us not to be anxious, but to bring our concerns to God in
prayer. What a wonderful truth to teach our children—not only when something goes
wrong, but before the school year even begins.

Imagine taking just a few minutes the night before the first day of school, putting
your hand on your child’s shoulder and praying specifically for the year ahead.

That may become one of the most important back-to-school preparations you make.

Remind Them Who They Are

Our children will hear many voices during the school year. They will encounter
different opinions, pressures, expectations and influences.

Home can be the place where they are continually reminded that their value isn’t
determined by a grade, whether they make the team, what someone says about them,
or how many friends they have.

They are loved by God.

Encourage your children to be kind, include someone who may be sitting alone, stand
up for what is right, and let the love of Jesus show through their words and actions.

A new school year isn’t only an opportunity to learn. It’s also an opportunity for our
children to grow in character, compassion, courage and faith.

Give Yourself Some Grace Too

Parents, remember—the first week doesn’t have to be perfect. A lunch may be
forgotten, a permission slip may disappear, and the morning routine may fall apart.
There may even be a few tears—from the children or the parents!

That’s okay. Transitions take time.

As the school year begins, establish your routines, keep the lines of communication
open, pray together, and remind your children that they don’t walk into that
classroom alone.

A new school year means new teachers, new friends, new challenges—and new
opportunities for God to work in the life of your child.

At Child Evangelism Fellowship Canada, our desire is to get the Good News of Jesus
Christ out to children, that they might grow in their relationship with Him and be
connected to a local church.

Through ministries such as Good News Clubs and events, children have opportunities
during the school year to learn biblical truths and grow in their faith.

As the backpacks come out and another school year begins, let’s send our children
through those school doors with more than pencils and notebooks.

Let’s send them with our encouragement, our prayers, and the assurance that God is
with them.

Have a wonderful school year!

Blessings,
Art Alexander
National Growth Director
CEF Canada

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