It's Time to Get Ready for School by Pat Lamb |
| There is more to do to get ready for school than just buying school supplies and new clothes. Thorough planning now can make life easier later. What do we need to consider in getting the children ready for school? There are four areas that we should always consider in the development of children, and getting ready for school is no exception. The physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of children need to be nurtured. Too often we think only of one or two of these areas. Dollar signs light up in our minds at this time of year. I can remember when my dad required my sisters and me to use our strawberry-picking money for school clothes. Perhaps a good idea would be to have the child help in figuring the amount of money needed for the basic needs of supplies and clothes. Anything above the basic needs that the child wants, the child should pay for from his own efforts at earning money. For instance, fancy backpacks or notebooks may become issues. Instead of arguing, simply tell the child, “If you really want that notebook, it’s okay. I will pay some and you can pay the remainder.” When our children were in high school, we gave them a clothing allowance each month. They had to plan how to meet their needs including a winter coat. This meant they had to save at times for bigger items. It was surprising how quickly those expensive name brands lost their importance. Any school child second grade or above can help do some figuring of expenses. This is good math practice for the children as well as developing an awareness of the reality of the cost of items. By requiring the children to make lists of needs, thinking and writing skills are furthered. The more the children can be involved, the better. Preparation for school is not complete without a sit-down session with the children that includes a discussion of behavior with others and the importance of doing one’s best. It would be good for the children to write realistic goals for the coming year. Parents might want to avoid stories of their school experiences that involved “walking in the snow barefooted. However, some stories are important to tell. Children need to know about the past, but don’t overdo it. Give the children an opportunity to express any fears and apprehensions they may have about starting school. They may also want to talk about the happy moments they have had in school in the past. Perhaps there is no better Scripture to use with the children to help them get along socially than the Golden Rule: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you …” (Matthew 7:12). This Scripture is good for all of us to heed. By having the children participate in planning the use of money, we are nurturing their mental skills. Learning the Scriptures and discussing how to get along with others develops social and spiritual areas of a child. Seeing that the children are properly clothed and prepared for the weather addresses the physical aspect of children. After these things have been done, it would be a good idea to give each child a hug with assurance of your unconditional love. This article originally appeared in the August 6, 2008, issue of the Tri-Lakes Tribune. Used with permission. |
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| Pat writes a column, "Train Up a Child," for several weekly newspapers. She is also the author of the book Let the Children Come which is filled with object lessons based on Scripture (one lesson for each week of the year). This book is written to parents, grandparents and Sunday School teachers who want children to understand for themselves that the best way to live is God’s way. To learn more about Pat, or to order Let the Children Come for $12.99, visit Pat's website. If you mention Encouraging Women with Hearts for Their Homes, there will be no shipping fee. |