- Prayer is powerful. Not that you don’t do it already, but it’s a great time to make a commitment to be praying specifically for your children, grandchildren and Quest Kids and all the things they will face this year.
- Have you considered picking out a blessing verse for each child that you can say over them each day as they head out the door.
Some examples:
Numbers 6:24-26
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Have you considered praying for God’s character to be seen in your child?
Some examples:
Mercy : James 5:11
Father, grant that my children would be full of mercy and compassion as you are Lord.
Courage: Deuteronomy 31:6
Lord, may my children always be strong and courageous in their character and their actions.
Integrity: Psalm 25:21
Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you.
- Help your child de-brief his or her day.
Don’t ask “How was your day?” unless you are satisfied with the one word answer “Fine.”
Don’t ask “What did you learn today?” The usual answer to that? “Nothing.”
Ask open ended questions:
“What was the best thing (funniest thing, worst thing etc.) that happened today.”
In fact, you can answer and share your answers too!
- Remind your child that God walks with them each day and they can always turn to Him.
Change (new school, new teacher, making friends) can all be scary, no matter your age. Let your kids know they can always come and talk to you about anything that is on their mind. Make time for them. For older kids, that is often late at night just when you are ready to collapse.
Children are a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. Remember, you are His stewards of these children.
Loving and praying for you and your kids,
Karen