Is Your Child’s Heart Ready For a New School Year?

Even after more than a decade of first days of school, my kids still get nervous (and borderline anxious) when the new year begins. School supply shopping and figuring out schedules help distract them during the day, but at night, the worry creeps in. They toss and turn or rattle awake from dreams about lockers that won’t open and classrooms they can’t find.

And I know it’s not just my kids. Similar scenarios play out in other homes, too. As parents, while we’re busy checking off back-to-school to-do lists, our kids are wrestling with bigger questions: Will I make friends? What if my teacher is mean? What if I can’t keep up? It’s up to us to help prepare their hearts, not just their backpack for the new year. Here are four ways to help your child step into the school year spiritually and emotionally ready.

1. Help your child face the unknown with faith, not fear.

The start of a new school year brings a lot of unknowns, including new teachers, new classmates, and new routines. Even if your child isn’t switching schools and has a few familiar friends nearby, your child may still feel unsettled and nervous. (I know my kids always do!)

That’s normal. Routines and rituals help kids feel safe and make sense of their world. And, the only thing predictable about the new school year is how unpredictable it is. It takes time for everyone to settle into the new rhythm.

However, one thing that remains steadfast and true: God is already there. He’s gone ahead of your child. He intentionally placed your child in that classroom with those kids and that teacher. It’s part of His good plan. He is faithful. Always.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That promise extends to your child, too. Being brave doesn’t always eliminate fear, but it does give your child God’s steady hand to hold when courage is needed.

Try this: Start a simple “faith over fear” ritual. On Sundays, talk about the upcoming week together. Write down one worry on a sticky note and one promise from God on another. Toss the worry in the trash and put the promise in your child’s backpack or lunchbox.

Here are some common “what ifs” your child might wrestle with (and how you can respond):

• What if I don’t make friends? God will bring the right friend at the right time.

• What if school is too hard? God will give you wisdom.

• What if my teacher doesn’t like me? God will help you build a good relationship.

• What if I make a mistake or mess up? God will give you grace and help you learn and grow.

• What if I feel alone? God will always be with you.

2. Reinforce your child’s identity in Christ.

God doesn’t grade us like school does. Our salvation and His love aren’t based on our performance. Instead, He focuses on the process of growing to be more like Jesus and developing the Fruit of the Spirit. However, school uses a grading system to chart a child’s progress toward learning goals. Those grades help teachers and parents identify where a child might need help or recognize emerging talents and gifts.

But, if we’re not careful, school can easily lead our kids to believe that their worth and identity come from grades. That’s why we get to be the steady voice reminding them: You are not your report card. You are God’s beloved child. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Try this: Help your child memorize three simple truths:

• I am loved by God (1 John 3:1)

• I am chosen by God (1 Peter 2:9)

• I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)

Write them on index cards and stick them on the bathroom mirror where your child can see those reminders daily.

And when grades come home (whether your child’s name is on the honor roll or not even close), celebrate your child’s effort. Remind your child that God’s love doesn’t rise and fall with grades.

3. Talk to God together about all the things.

Make prayer a natural part of your back-to-school routine by talking to God about the real stuff your child is facing. Sometimes we overcomplicate prayer or fall for the lie that a pastor’s or “prayer warrior’s” words hold more weight in God’s eyes. They don’t! You are a child of the King, too! Some of the most meaningful (and honestly raw) conversations with God happen in the car on the way to school or while you’re tucking your child into bed.

Encourage your child to bring everything to God, the excitement about art class, the nervousness about the lunch line, the hope for new friendships, and yes, even the worry about memorizing math facts. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but to present our requests to God with thanksgiving.

Try this: Start a simple prayer journal together. Each week, write down one thing your child is excited about and one thing they’re worried about. Pray over both, then look back later to see how God answered. This process builds your child’s faith and helps you both see how He responds!

4. Be on the lookout for His goodness and mercy.

School will have its challenging moments. Your child will face disappointments, fights with friends, and hard assignments. And on more than one occasion, your child’s efforts won’t be reflected in the grades. But God is still good.

Psalm 23:6 says, “Your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” God promises His goodness and mercy will always be present, but sometimes, especially on the hard days, we need to view the day in hindsight to see Him.

Try this: Go on the “hunt for good.” At dinner or bedtime, ask your child to share one way they saw God’s goodness. For your child, that could be the friend who shared the swings at recess, snuggling with the dog after school, or getting picked to be the line leader. This practice trains your child to look for God’s goodness everywhere.