Jean Lim Flores, author, wife, and blessed mother to a sweet girl, writes, “At the start of this new school year, what could be better than equipping my daughter with the same tools that the Apostle Paul preached to encourage character building and fruitfulness in spirit as she encounters challenging relationships or circumstances at school, church, and beyond.” “This set of spiritual virtues,” describes Flores, “which Paul refers to as the fruit of the Holy Spirit, are characteristics (Galatians 5:22-23) that empower believers to live in unity and be more like Jesus, and can grow like fruit on trees—when our children’s lives are rooted in Christ and watered by faith.”Flores continues that, “More than the latest new backpack with all the bells and whistles, a fancy outfit, shiny new shoes or a case full of new pencils, Ephesians 6:10 outlines a different outfit called the ‘Armor of God’ that can equip and gird our children in their daily life with spiritual gear that can protect them against enemy schemes, oftentimes covered during Vacation Bible School or in Sunday School, why not apply it to the notion of ‘Back to School’ as well?” “As a parent,” writes Flores, “I have confidence that speaking this simple prayer each day with our children as they are on their way to school will bless them to be strong, courageous, respectful, and kind human beings. It will empower them for their everyday battles.” “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.4. Hide God’s word in your kids’ hearts to draw from for peace and purpose.When our two oldest daughters were in elementary school, they attended AWANAS at our local church during the summer months. There, they memorized Scripture verses, earning rewards while hiding God’s word in their hearts.At times when we aren’t around, we can trust that God’s word in their heart will speak to them and help them in times of need. As Hebrews 4:12 assures, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and Spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”Just like television shows and films show what someone says to a person and speak to them in making decisions, we can count on the living word of God to talk to our children, bringing peace and purpose into their situations.While at school, during times of frustration, temptations, and stress, we can count on it to lead and guide them in their responses and actions.Deuteronomy 6:6-9 urges, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Robert Nicholas
10 Parenting Tips to Help Kids Thrive During the School Year with Peace and Purpose
