Make a Difference at School this Year

How can we encourage our children to make a difference at school this year?

As a parent, I want to ensure that I’m not just sending my kids off on this new adventure unprepared; I want to prep their hearts so they can truly make a difference at school this year.

Opportunities to make choices about our children’s education confront us almost daily. So it should come as no surprise that our decision as a family to choose public school was not taken lightly. We explored every avenue and after prayerful consideration, we have moved forward with the public school route. There is so much debate about which is the right way, when in fact, it is right for each individual family to decide.

There are no cookie-cutter methods when serving the Lord. What works for one family, may not work for another. The goal in any Christian home is to glorify God and shine the love of Jesus. Regardless of where you decide to educate your children, there are ways you can help make a difference not only in their lives, but in the lives of those around them.

Some Ways to Make a Difference this School Year

1. Prepare your child’s heart and mind.

A few weeks ahead of time, talk with your child about his or her fears and joys about the upcoming school year. Ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you think God might have you do to bless others this school year?”

2. Pray for your child’s teacher ahead of time.

Pray that they will be a good fit for your child and seek God’s face in how your family can impact them personally for the cause of Christ.

3. Find ways to engage with other parents.

Every year I receive a list of my child’s classmates along with their phone numbers and addresses. Consider having play dates, attending birthday parties, or sending surprise “just because” cards in the mail to a different child each week to show the love of Christ.

4. Be a concerned and engaged parent.

Don’t just assume that your child is being taught the right thing. Ask the hard questions and follow your child’s progress. Pay attention to any significant behavioral changes. Consider volunteering in your child’s classroom as often as you can.

5. Talk about ways your child can bless her friends and teacher.

When I was a child, my parents always stressed to me that school was a mission field. Wherever we are, we are to proclaim the name of Jesus. School is an excellent spot to shine for Christ. Talk about ways your child could bless someone else. Is there a classmate who doesn’t have many friends? How could your child include them and make them feel special? Simply showing love and then telling others that God loves them is an excellent start!

6. Pray for your child daily.

Don’t forget the necessary tool of praying for your child! Pray that they stay clear of temptation and learn from a young age to be a leader and not a follower. Pray for them to have strong convictions and a sensitive and tender heart towards God and others around them.

7. Pray with your child to see the need.

Kids will be kids. Sometimes they are simply, and naturally, caught up in basic, every-day juvenile thinking. Pray with them and read good books that open their eyes to the bigger needs around them.

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A great book to share with them is The Boy Who Changed the World, by Andy Andrews. This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity.

The Butterfly Effect by Andrew Andrews is an excellent book for you, parents! What a great way for parent and child to regain an excitement and passion for making a difference in other people’s lives!

Your Turn

What about you? What are some things you will do as a family to make a difference this school year?

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