PARENT RESOURCES

While Kids Ministry is now having Sunday morning activities at the church, we understand that there are some families who are not able to join us in-person. We want to stay connected to our families and continue discipling all our kids, regardless of whether they are here at The Heights or at home.  

Each week, those of you joining us online can watch Kids Ministry live on our FACEBOOK PAGE Sundays at 9:30 AM. During this Livestream, kids will have the opportunity to worship and listen to Bible lessons from our wonderful staff and volunteers. We will also continue to have our Bible Review Activities and GodTime Devotionals posted to our blog as well as the church app.

Parent Equipping Blog - Preparing Kids for School
Aug 9 1:11 PM

Parent Equipping Blog - Preparing Kids for School

Aug 9 1:11 PM
Aug 9 1:11 PM

As school is about to start, you have found that learning environments are changing everywhere. Some of you will be dropping your kids off to a school, that will look different this year than in the past. Others have decided to start the year off with E-learning or have made a commitment to Homeschooling. Whatever you decide, know that God does NOT change, and he is always here for you.

Below are some tips to preparing you and your child for the school year, no matter what that may look like.

Your Kids will be returning to On-Campus School

Whether this was a hard decision to make, or came easy to you, you made the choice that was best for your family, so Way to Go! Here are some tips for preparing your child for that first day back at school:

  1. Talk about everything- Kids at school will talk. As parents, we should talk to our kids first. *Offer a clear and age appropriate explanation of what has happened in the recent months. Here are some great resources about Coronavirus for all age groups.

*Keeping a positive attitude when discussing the changes and new rules their school will have will help them feel comfortable and safe when they return. From lunchroom dividers to face shields, to new teachers and emergency protocols.

  1. Let them talk- It is most likely that your child is nervous or even thrilled to be returning back to school. Give them an open outlet to communicate their feelings before the first day. Praying and reading scripture is a great way to express worry, fear, and even thanksgiving.

3. Shop for school supplies together. They will get excited when they get to pick out a new backpack and school clothes. Allowing them to pick out their own supplies will make them feel special, as well as give them a bit of normalcy and responsibility!

4. Get back to a routine. Begin your usual school sleep schedule about a week or so before school starts! This will eliminate stressful mornings and prepare them for days ahead. You can even have practice days, like planning some outdoor activities for during school hours so they can practice getting up, dressed, and out the door on time. Once you get home, turn off electronics and encourage reading, create art, or quiet play! 

5. Make an after-school game plan and prepare for the unexpected. Set up a homework station that will be quiet, comfortable, and away from distractions. Also, make a game plan for those unexpected days so you and your child are prepared, whether it’s an extra-long workday or sudden changes within the school or our city. It would even be a great idea to have a sitter lined up for these cases or an after-school care facility.

Your kids will be E-learning or Homeschooled

You have decided to keep your kids home for the first 6 weeks. Or maybe you have chosen to homeschool all year.  Whatever is best for your family is the right decision. Here are some tips for preparing you and your child for that first day of school from home.

  1. Create a school environment. No need to recreate a school classroom with all the bells and whistles. This can be more challenging, but finding a quiet and comfortable area where distractions are at a minimum is key.
  2. Build a break in the day. E-learning can require long hours so planning several breaks throughout the school time will be very helpful. These can be snack breaks, dance breaks, or time with God. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to Me and I will give you rest.”
  3. Create a schedule and routine. Having schedules placed around the house will develop habit and routine. Here is an example of a schedule you could use.

4. Take it outdoors- Play and exercise will be HUGE to having a great school day. You can take a walk outside, go for a bike ride, or even do your schoolwork at the park. 

5. Make learning FUN! Check out the image below for some great ideas.

All parents: Be kind to yourself

Most of all parents, no matter what this school year will look like for your family: Be kind to yourself. You have got this! There will be days that are harder than others, but give yourself GRACE. It may take time for your kids to get in a groove, but remember to lean on the Lord for guidance and peace and they’ll do GREAT!

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in The LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding, Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Weekly Challenge:

In the days ahead, take time in the mornings right when you wake up and thank God for your children and the opportunity for them to learn no matter what that may look like. Pray and ask for guidance as you navigate and plan for the school year.

Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us specifically how we can pray for your new school situation.

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