Starting a new school year with FAITH

Oh sweet summer time…how it flies! Didn’t we just get done with End of the Year Award Ceremonies and Field Days? Now it’s time for Meet-the-Teacher Nights, school supply lists, and the dreaded rush of early morning routines.

A new school year can often bring excitement, but it can also bring plenty of unknowns which can lead to nervous kids and parents. 

Have no fear…MecKidz is here! 

While we may not be able to control everything our kids encounter this year we can help them start the year knowing that God goes with them! Here are a few fun and simple ways to build faith into your family’s back-to-school routine. 

PARKING LOT PICNIC

Grab your kiddos, a sweet treat and head to their school. Have a picnic in the parking lot while you talk to God about their school year. 

Pray for their friends and new teachers. Pray for their safety and anything that might be causing anxiety. 

Philippians 4:6 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”

Let your kids pray too. Explain to them that when something matters to us, it matters to God and talking to God is like talking to your best friend or someone you love. 

BODY PARTS PRAYER

We love this simple prayer practice found in the book Habits of the Household. At bedtime, have your child lie still while you pray over them from head to toe. 

Thank God for each part of their body and ask Him to use it for His glory throughout the school year. 

“God, thank you for these eyes. Help them see people who need kindness.”

“Thank you for these ears. Help them listen well.”

“Thank you for these hands. Help them serve others.”

This prayer time reminds our kids that God made them and He has a purpose for them. 

And bonus for parents: this is a great way to help those high-energy kiddos slow down and settle in for bedtime!

MORNING ROUTINE

Create a simple morning routine that incorporates God. We know mornings are already hectic enough, so maybe try:

1. Reading a short Bible story or 5-minute devotional during breakfast. 
2. Before your child gets out of your car or on the bus for school, ask, “Which fruit of the spirit are you going to practice today? Kindness, patience or self-control?” Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is something God grows in us. We can practice them at home and at school!
3. Pray a short and simple prayer in the car on the way to school or as a family before you walk out the door. It doesn’t have to be long to be powerful!
   
   

FAMILY VERSE

Before school starts, pick out a family verse that you are going to memorize and practice living out this school year. We recommend the MecKidz Memory Challenge which we highlight each month in MecKidz. 

For remembering who God is:

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.”  Zephaniah 3:17 

For anxious kids:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6-7 

For families who want to focus on sharing God’s love:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. 

Write your verse on the bathroom mirror, put it on your refrigerator or say it together in the car. The goal isn’t simply to memorize it but to let God’s Word shape how your family lives. 

WOW POW HOLY COW

At the end of the school week, have Friday Dinners be WOW, POW, HOLY COW dinners. Each child can share their WOW of the week (best part), their POW of the week (worst part), and their HOLY COW (where they saw God) of the week. 

Whether you try one or all of these ideas, let’s make this a year of growing in faith! 

And remember…MecKidz is here to partner with you. Throughout the year, you can find parent resources and blog topics designed to help you teach your child to know, love, and serve Jesus.

 

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