Sending your Child Back to School with Confidence & Grace

Sending your Child Back to School with Confidence 

Sending Your Child Back to School with Confidence & Grace  

What has helped me over the years with my kids…

Set up Expectations – this will be a learning process for the new year and may need to change as things shift.

Celebrate the Start of School (Back to School Feast) – Even more important is to make the transition from summer to school exciting for your kids. Back to School Email to the teacher – Let them know if you have other kids on different schedules, if you will be home with them, or if they will be with a grandpa, rent, or child care provider, etc. Communication is key

Summer is coming to an end!  We had an amazing summer filled with adventures and travels and bonding, and memory-making.  But now the REAL adventure begins – Back to School time!  If anyone ever asks me what my biggest adventure is, I would say PARENTING!  And with that comes dealing with back to school and the issues surrounding new subjects, new teachers, and new relationships that our children have to navigate!

I have found that when I prep my children before school starts or close to when it starts (if your kids have already started, it is not too late to have a special family night and discussion) that they return to the school year with more confidence and grace! 

Here are a few ways that our family helps to ease back into school…and help them find JOY in their school years!

PLUS scroll to the end for a few of our favorite back-to-school items that we just cannot live without!
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1. BACK TO SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

I can remember my excitement for the first day of school every year!  I want my kids to have that same excitement, but I also want to instill in them the values that make them the best they can be in all areas of life!

I am proud of how they excel in school, but no school grade could ever replace a kind heart or a character based on integrity.  I hope to instill strong values in my children and help them become leaders and people of faith and grace throughout their life.  So we help with this by having discussions leading up to the beginning of the school year as to what it means to be a good student, a good friend, to respect others, to have manners in class, and so on.  I feel that by having these conversations throughout the days leading up to school that they are better prepared and reminded to be a good classroom citizen!

2. BACK TO SCHOOL FEAST&l

In 2015, we joined the fun tradition of having a Back to School

l Feast (aka Back to School Dinner) to welcome the new school year! “314” data-=””>end=”326″>Although I wish I could take credit for this idea, many families do it. I’m not sure who started it, but I LOVE this tradition!

Furthermore, this tradition creates a theme for the year. The kids memorize it and learn to better understand and focus on the strength of character in themselves. This helps them concentrate on what is important in life as they navigate challenges and relationships during a new school year.

It really is a special night and something both kids look forward to each year!  we designate a night before school starts for this special feast. The kids wear crowns to remind them of their worth. They also dress up to highlight how special this day is!

Jon and I sit down before the feast to choose a family theme for the school year. This way, we can address our kids’ specific needs for the coming year. Additionally, this evening is a great opportunity to take fancy photos of the kids before the new school year starts.

“HAVE COURAGE AND BE KIND”

“I CAN DO HARD THINGS” 

“LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE”

PAST THEMES…

They each get

a framed copy for their desk so they can be reminded daily of their focus for the year.

3. BACK TO SCHOOL LETTER TO THE TEACHER

I love to write a letter at the beginning of the year to each of my children’s teachers. In the letter, I introduce my child and include facts about their personality, strengths and weaknesses, learning styles, concerns, and fun facts about them and our family.

Since parent/teacher conferences or back-to-school nights usually happen a month or more after school starts, this is an easy way to start a conversation with my child’s teacher about who they are. It serves as a subtle way to advocate for them if they have specific needs.

4. BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER

Every year, we have a special prayer for each child before they start school.  Usually, we do this on the same day as the Back to School Feast.  We have a family prayer and a traditional back-to-school Father’s Blessings.

A Father’s Blessing is a blessing of guidance and comfort. Moreover, when school starts, it is a great time for fathers to bless their children with this comfort and strength.

In addition, it’s a wonderful way to start the school year. It also reminds children that their earthly Father and Heavenly Father are there for them every day of the year. Furthermore, I have two wonderful children who bless my life daily! Sending Your Child Back to School with Confidence & Grace 

FAVORITE THINGS! 

Here are a few of my favorite productive items for students!

A student planner is a great help! SO is this cube for homework!