As summer fun comes to an end, there’s a certain sense of excitement mixed with nervousness that fills the air. Back-to-school season is upon us, and it’s not just our little ones who experience the jitters. As moms, we understand the rollercoaster of emotions that our children go through during this time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how we can support and empower our kids to conquer those back-to-school jitters with confidence and joy.
Open Communication and Relying on Faith
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Because we as parents can tell when our kids become visibly nervous, it’s so important to let them know they can share those feelings! We try to create a safe space for our kids to express their feelings and fears about the upcoming school year. We let them know that their emotions are valid and that we are there to listen, understand, and provide reassurance. In our home, we like to let our kids know that just like they can come to us about their emotions, they can also go to their Heavenly Father. One of our goals is to raise kids who have a solid faith foundation, and at this stage, that means communicating that Jesus wants to be their friend forever, and friends are people we can talk to about anything! So we try our best to teach them that prayer is like coming to me or Matt or a friend about their feelings.
Buddy System- Keeping those “antennas” up
“Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.”
Matthew 22:39
Just as sharing our own experiences allows our kids to know they’re not alone, so does the “Antenna’s Method!” If you’ve been around for a while you know that I like to tell the kids to keep their “antennas” up. This silly phrase represents having awareness of others. When they have their antennas up, they’re aware of how others might be feeling, whether or not someone is being included, or whether someone might just need a friend. Matt and I have found that this teaches our kids to love their neighbors well and often distracts them from their own nerves.
Share Your Experiences
We’ve all experienced back-to-school excitement and nerves. Sharing our own school experiences, both positive and challenging, not only helps our kids realize they’re not alone in their feelings, but also instills a sense of relatability and empathy.
Minimize Back-to-School Talk
I know this sounds contradictory, but I don’t like to over-talk about what’s ahead if I sense that there’s nervousness around the transition to a new year. I’ll do check-ins and if it’s clear that one of our kiddos is still feeling nervous, I’ll say something like, “I get that. You are totally normal. Do you remember when you felt this way last year? And what happened after the first day of school? Let’s pray about those feelings now because they are completely normal and God can help give you peace when you feel nervous.” I’ll also involve older siblings and ask them to talk through some specific tips or paint a picture of what’s ahead the following year. We want our kids to know they always have each other to share their feelings with! But outside of these check ins, I try not to talk about transitions often, because I think it can almost add to anxiety when it’s a common topic. And I trust in my heart that once they get through the first days they’ll likely feel fine!
Celebrate Achievements- Hellooo Star Chart
All year round, we celebrate our kids’ positive choices and achievements, no matter how small. We acknowledge their efforts, resilience, and growth. Specifically, our star chart focuses on positive attitude, listening, and kindness. Positive reinforcement boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to keep pushing forward. Additionally, what’s rewarded is repeated, so we want to reward their positive behavior choices all year long!
Final Note
Mommas, as we navigate the back-to-school season with our little ones, remember that we play a vital role in empowering them to combat their jitters. By fostering open communication, providing support, and instilling a positive mindset, we can help them embrace this new chapter with excitement and confidence. Let us be their biggest cheerleaders and create an environment where they feel safe, loved, and capable of conquering any challenges that come their way. Together, we’ll watch our children thrive and flourish, making us proud with each step they take on their journeys of learning and growth!
Now, if you’re feeling the nerves, here are some of my favorite verses that encourage me as a mom:
- “As a mother comforts her child so I will comfort you….” Isaiah 66:3
- “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
- “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
