I cannot believe the school year is already here. I feel like this phrase has been repeated by Moms everywhere on a regular basis these days. This summer seriously did just fly by and I cannot believe it is already time for a whole new year.
Where has the time gone?
With a new school year comes so many new things. New teachers, new friends, new clothes, new challenges, new struggles and so much more. It’s full of excitement but at the same time nervousness of what the year will bring.
As Mom’s it is hard to send our children off for the day not knowing everything they will face. Will it be a day full of success or one of struggle? Will your child come home with a slew of new friends or feeling left out?
Even though you do not know what lies ahead can still remind your kids how much you love them by encouraging your children throughout the school year.
Encouragement is defined as the expression of approval and support; the act of giving hope and support to someone, an increase of confidence.
What a powerful definition! Encouragement = approval, support, hope, and confidence. Encouragement is something our kiddos long for from their Momma’s.
Today I would love to share with you 5 practical ways that we can encourage our kids during this next school year.
Spend the Morning Together:
Mornings can be hectic and stressful. A morning can also set the tone for your entire day. Take a moment before everyone walks out the door for the day and sit down together. It may require waking up 15 minutes earlier but do it, you will not regret it. When we stop and take the time to just sit with our kids the time is priceless.
Trust me, I know how tough mornings can be. I am usually the mom running around like a chicken with my head cut off but unfortunately that rubs off onto my kids. But take this time to remind your kids of how much you love them and how proud of them you are. Help prepare them for what the day holds and remind them that they are capable!
Remind them you are Praying for Them:
Knowing someone is praying for you is such a powerful thing for anyone especially for your kids. What greater love can you give your child than to pray for them and remind them that you trust that Jesus is in control?
My hope is that when times get tough or when my girls are struggling that they remember throughout their day that I am praying for them and they are not alone. There is no greater source of confidence than knowing that your mom is praying for you. Remind them of his greatness!
Lunch Box Notes:
My mom always sent us lunch box notes and we loved it! This is something we have implemented from the time our little ones started pre-school. They may not be able to read but they see that they have been thought of and loved on even before the day began.
Send encouraging notes about why you love them, remind them how proud you are or let them know you miss them. Who doesn’t need a little pick me up from Momma during the day?
If you are looking for some lunch box note ideas, I LOVE these from All Pro Dad! Print them out and have them ready to go.
Compliment Your Child and Praise them for the Great Things They Do:
As an adult I realize that the things I still love most about myself are qualities that my parents praised in me. As our children are molding and growing the words we speak to them are more impacting than we even realize.
I want to be a mom that compliments and praises and who does not discourage. Find your children’s strengths and compliment them. Point out the things they may not see in themselves that you love and remind them of how wonderful they are.
Who you see your child to be matters to your children. Remind them that they are full of greatness! (This is mainly a reminder for me.)
Remind them that Success Does not Define your LOVE for them!
Our children these days have so many pressures coming at them from every direction and as Moms it is easy sometimes to focus on what they are or are not doing. Remember, that this does not define who your child is.
Activities do not define your child. Grades do not define your child. Being a star does not define your child. These things are great and awesome but they do not define your child.
Remind your child that win or lose, pass or fail you LOVE them. No matter what you are proud of them and LOVE them!
This next year will come and go. We will look back next year and try and figure out how it went by so quickly but when times do get tough remind your sweet ones of this promise below.
Moms, we will be praying for you this year. We will pray that you are encouraged yourself and that you know how wonderful you are. You can do it Moms!
If you enjoyed this post check out Advice from a Former Middle School Mean Girl as well!
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