 | Back to School Monday, October 06, 2003
This article was originally posted on the San Francisco Church of Christ site, www.sfnet.cc.
"Back to school"... As parents we must admit that these words bring a smile after a busy summer. Now it is time to inspire our children as we lead them during this time of the year. What plans and visions do you have for your family this fall?
Isaiah 29:23 says, "When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel."
Our children are the "work"of God's hands, and we should stand in awe of the task of raising them to bring honor to the name of God. This will require great unity and effort between us as parents.
I. Establishing a Routine
"for God is not a God of disorder but of peace..." 1 Corinthians 14:33
Having a routine that works is essential to laying the spiritual foundation for the day. Some key elements are:
- Consistent bed-time and wake-up time (even teens need this)
- Breakfast with mini-devo for younger kids (books are available with 365 devos for families)
- Quiet time for older kids
- Fixed break time after school (to unwind, play, get the energy out.)
- Homework start time
- Dinner time
- Wind-down time before bed.(reading, listening to music, talking)
- Prayers and lights out
- Older children and teens have extra activities at school and church. It takes a lot of effort but a routine can still be maintained.
II. Spiritual Training
Establishing a practice of having a special time each week with each child is essential. These times will be fun (shopping, jamba juice, bike-rides) but will afford the opportunity to ask crucial questions and to share from your own heart/life. Things to ask about include: what they will do when offered drugs/cigarettes, how to handle the opportunity to cheat, what to do when challenged to a fight, changes in their body/sensuality (there are very good books available in Christian book store which walk you through this). Not every time will be earth-shattering, but each will build your love. Secondly, have weekly family devotionals where key topics are covered. For example:
- Work with all your heart (at school)
- Guarding your heart
- Respecting authority (coaches, teachers, caregivers)
- The tongue (course joking, cynicism, obscenity etc.)
(Let the kids plan some the these, and remember to be vulnerable yourself.)
III. Involved and Invested
Isaiah 8:18 "Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty..."
The whole school/student/parent community is fertile ground to let your family shine as a "sign" or "symbol" of God's love. We are all busy as parents with work, finance, home/car maintenance, relatives, friends; yet it is essential to realize the open door of opportunity God gives us to impact the hearts of our children and other families.
- Back to School Night-meeting each teacher and establishing dialogue.
- Music or theatrical performances
- Games
- Driving for field trips
- Volunteering in class (even dads taking ½ day off once a month; California law mandates that your employer allow you to do this)
It has been special to become friends of the parents at our children's school. One of the teens reached out to a high school senior, and our daughter along with other teen girls helped her to become a disciple. Since that time, her family has had dinners and outings with the families of these teens. There have been Father-Daughter double dates, celebrations of birthdays, visiting her dad's company and studying the Bible. Who does God have in mind for you to befriend? Great adventures lie in store for us as families as we all go "back to school".
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