August is here and it seems like just yesterday I was writing a post on June being the next step towards our kids growing up, and now it seems like the summer has cycled through with just traces of sand, tans fading, and kids and caregivers alike preparing for school. Don’t get me wrong this is a bitter sweet time of year for those of us sending our children to school, especially those of us who will send our children to school for the first time, however this is also an exciting time of year.
Back to School gives us an added incentive to preparing our children in so many ways. Of course we check the boxes off next to school supplies, make sure our child’s closet has the right clothes, and maybe some of us even go through some books and old homework to remind our kiddos what they learned last year, but let us not forget to prepare their hearts as they will be entering a new year facing many challenges, situations, and also opportunities.
Whether our children are starting Kindergarten, going into 6th grade or not yet old enough to attend school and whether they are going to be home-schooled, in private school, attending a local magnet school, or enrolled in public school their hearts may be THE single most important component to a successful year.
Yet, how often do we hear advice on preparing our children this way? In this, we are not only equipping our kids for school, but for life as well.
The Bible discusses how vital it is that we take our jobs as parents seriously and that among all of the many jobs the name “parent” or “caregiver” entail, “teacher” is a big role.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Taking time from our daily schedules for our children helps to nurture their hearts. Our kids want love from us and want to be heard, someone to listen, I mean REALLY listen can mean the world to them. The more time we spend with them, showing that we care, the more we can be a part of their lives.
Some ideas for nurturing your child’s heart and instills self-worth are:
- Putting sticky notes in their lunch boxes
- Writing a message on their bathroom mirror telling them how special they are
- Doing daily devotions/Bible readings with each child or as a family
- Have a date with each child individually, let them choose what you do and leave distractions at home
- Attend church regularly allowing them to grow spiritually and know the love God has for them
- Go through old pictures of them and tell them fun stories from the past
- Keep a journal of letters you write to your child and read it to them or allow them to read it regularly
and the list goes on and on. What’s most important is that you figure out your child’s personality and know what is best going to make them feel special and nurture their heart and soul.
As parents and caregivers we always want the best for our children, and the more we have a heart like Christ, the more they will see that in us and what a great example for our children to see, with their own eyes, the way we are living?
What tips do you have for nurturing your child’s heart and preparing them for life?
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