It’s a new year and time to get ready for school. For many children, this will be a new experience. While attending school is a forward step, it can be accompanied by mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty. Such conflicting emotions can sometimes make this progressive time an unsettling one. Yet, starting school doesn’t have to be accompanied by tears or fears. We can help our kids get ready for school and enjoy their learning journey.

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

A mother and her son were happily looking forward to him beginning primary school. Suddenly he tearfully told her that he didn’t want to go because she wouldn’t be with him. She tenderly reassured him that he would enjoy learning with other children. He wouldn’t be cut off from her love. She would be thinking of him. He could think of her too, remember that she loved him, and be happy, not sad. He could also know that he had a divine Mother, whose loving care was with him every moment. As they cherished these ideas, his reluctance faded. He was ready for school, and went happily each day.

6 TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET READY FOR SCHOOL

- Start each morning by giving your child encouraging words about school. Assure them that they can cope well with learning, feel safe, make friends and be accepted by others in the classroom.

- Be actively supportive. Place a message of loving encouragement from you in the child’s lunch box for them to read while at school – for example, “You’re doing well”.

- Reassure your children that they are capable learners. They can listen and learn. “Children are more tractable than adults, and learn more readily to love the simple verities that will make them happy and good. ” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 236.

- Be willing to teach kids what they have to do as part of the daily school routine. It will assist them in getting ready for school each day. “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” Bible. Proverbs 22:6

- Be a caring parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, or neighbour. Wrap children in your love and prayers for their safety and wellbeing. Each spiritual thought, like a pebble dropped into a pond, will send out ripples of blessings. Right now, you can help children get ready for school. Doing so, is good for your health – and theirs.

ABOUT THE EXPERT:

Beverly Goldsmith is a former school teacher who now writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing.