Back To School

Have a few others read your application over for mistakes—because we all make mistakes. And when it comes to professionalism, if you're still using that littlemermaid102@aol.com email account from the eighth grade, create a new one. Make sure you use the same email every time you contact the school, and check that account often.

If God has called you to educate your children in the public school system, I encourage you to teach them to put on the whole armor of God every morning before they walk out the door. Put on all of God's armor so that you can stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Validating their emotions is recognizing them as real, expressing this recognition, and accepting that they are struggling. Feeding into their emotions is when we try to show empathy and create more of a monster by affirming how awful the separation will be.

You may not always hear it, but you are truly special, and our hearts and prayers are with each of you. May God continue to bless you, keep you safe, and allow you to use your gifts and talents to foster a love of learning in our children.

Well, friend, as a mom that has dabbled in nearly every education option possible (probably because I have double-guessed making these choices way too many times to count), I know the many emotions and strings attached to such a decision.

Laying out clothes and checking backpacks for supplies and homework after dinner can help everyone avoid a frantic rush in the morning. But don’t do this yourself—this becomes part of your child’s nighttime routine.

Please give parents wisdom, guidance, and a discerning heart in helping their children learn and grow in all areas, not just what is needed for testing. Father, please provide ample opportunities for students to glean lifelong skills, new understanding, and rich revelations in various ways.

Remember the teachers in your life, keep them in your prayers, and help them whenever you can. Teachers are vital to the children today, who will be the adults and leaders of tomorrow.

Even if we are starting a new school year and we know nobody at the school, God will be walking down the halls by our side, whether we are in grade school, high school, college, or seminary.

For parents sending their children out into the great big world for the first time, this sentiment can physically be felt in parents' bodies. Intense pride, joy, and excitement right alongside grief, loss, and letting go!

I hope we all have the best year ever, though the "stuff" we purchase isn’t enough. We need more than fresh supplies to meet a new school year. Here’s your Mom Checklist to prepare your heart and organize your mind.

As we begin a new routine, send our kids out, or begin schooling at home, let’s not neglect our prayer lives. Our prayers are a vital part of seeing God’s best unfold in the lives of our children.

They give so much and will need our support and prayers as they prepare to shift back into things for another school year. Teachers play a vital role in fostering and cultivating young minds, and they will need our prayers and encouragement.

First, remember your child is their own person with his or her own sinful tendencies. Whether you choose to homeschool, public school, or private school, your child will struggle with the same heart issues.

Our battles are not physical but spiritual. To be strong in God we must pray for protection from head to feet with His divine armor. As our children enter new and challenging circumstances, our prayers are vital to protect them from the spiritual battles they will be facing in this new school year. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Dolgachov

It is difficult to release our children in a “normal” school year, add a global pandemic, political crisis, racial tensions, and general division, anxiety is at an all-time high. But, we must remember as believers, our children belong to the Lord, and He loves them more than we can ever imagine.

More than ever, teachers need support and encouragement. They give so much every single day in an effort to not only educate but to leave an impression on their students. Praying for and supporting teachers you know can make a difference in their lives and help them not feel so alone in the day-to-day journey.

Staying close to the Lord as college starts can be a challenge as so many things fight for your focus, but it is possible. Ask the Lord what is His heart for you so that you may stay near to Him and not wander. Be open that in this new season, He may have even more opportunities and places where you can come to know His heart more richly.

Here is something to ponder: Can we make uncertainty work for us instead of against us, deepening our faith in God and turning control over to Him? Let’s look at how we might pray, even before this school year begins.

Going back to school each fall brings a ton of rollercoaster-type emotions for parents, kids, and teachers alike. Whether you’re homeschooling, sending your kids to public school or private school, or have a kiddo heading off to college for the first time, there’s reason to pray.