1) Pray with Your Child
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:6-7
There is no better way to prepare for the new year than praying with your children and petitioning the Lord for His peace. Start praying with them now at the dinner table or before bed.
2) Restore Regular Bedtimes and Routines
It may be tempting to let children and teenagers stay up late and wake up late till the last moments of summer, but you may be setting yourself up for a difficult first few days of school. Spend the last few weeks of summer restoring their bedtimes and other routines such as eating a healthy breakfast and lunch, daily exercise, reading and writing, and whatever else may have fallen by the wayside while your family has enjoyed summer.
3) Visit Your Child’s School
If your child is going to begin the school year at a new school or in a different part of campus, you can help reduce anxiety about the change by visiting the institution before the first day. At Haywood Christian Academy, we are happy to tour facilities with students and help them feel at ease with their new surroundings. We also encourage you to attend our annual back-to-school bash, Red, White, and YOU! to meet new friends, see classrooms and fellowship with other families.
4) Complete Summer Work
Make sure any preliminary classwork is complete before the last night of summer. This will help reduce stress and anxiety for you and your child.
5) Plan to Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines
Haywood Christian Academy’s mission is to, “Develop students into Christian leaders by providing an excellent educational experience on a foundation of Biblical truth.” We encourage parents to emphasize faith as an integral part of their child’s education. As the school year approaches, make a plan with your children that prioritizes spiritual disciplines and church participation.
6) Meet Your Child’s Teachers
Your child will appreciate meeting their new teachers and learning what to expect before the new school year beings.
7) Set Expectations and Goals
Do not wait until homework is due and tests are approaching to set your academic expectations as a parent. Meet with your children to set goals for the school year, and expectations for each school day that prioritize spiritual disciplines and ensure there is plenty of time for homework, healthy meals, family time, and sleep.
8) Go School Shopping Together
Parents, it may be much more efficient and quieter to do the school shopping by yourself; however, involving your children in the process provides them with investment in their school supplies and academic pursuits. Allowing them to choose their pencils, pens, notebooks, and bookbags may make them excited to put their new tools to use in a few weeks. Also, as much as is possible, do not wait till the last minute to begin shopping for supplies.
9) Plan for Potential Anxiety
Your child may be overwhelmed by the start of a new academic year. Have a plan in place for potential anxiety and begin looking for signs such as:
- Short-temperedness
- Diet changes and weight fluctuations
- Trouble Sleeping
- Nail Biting
- Fear of Being Alone
- Sudden Isolation
If your child is feeling overwhelmed or struggling with anxiety, plan to visit your school’s counselor sooner than later.
10) Be an Encourager
For parents, it can be difficult to find the balance between being firm enough without being overbearing. As the academic year begins, make sure you encourage your child to excel to their potential. Let your child know you are their biggest fan. At Haywood Christian Academy, we are proud to encourage our students to do everything they do for the glory of God. If you would like to know more about our school or even schedule a tour, contact us today.