Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
While not all children will be going back, and many will be going back to a very different environment than before, let’s try to allay some of their fears and apprehension. Remember, children watch you, the adults around them, to see how they should react. Help your grandchildren to go with a spirit of love, not fear; peace not panic, looking to Jesus in worship, not to circumstances and worry. May God fill them will hope and joy, so much so that it overflows onto others who so desperately need it.
Here are some fun ideas to consider as the grandkids go back to school.
- Celebrate Back to School Eve – have a fun meal, play a game, set aside time to pray with them.
- If nearby, try to meet them for a special breakfast to get the day off right. Call or stop to see them after the school day to see how the day went.
- Give Grandchild Promise Cards to parents to place in their lunchbox or backpack.
- Go with your grandchild to purchase and pack a backpack for a less fortunate child.
- Obtain a copy of the school calendar. Be sure to mark important dates on your calendar, making plans to attend if you are able. If not, give the grandchild a call and find out how the big day went.
- If you’re able, volunteer in your grandchild’s classroom.
- Show interest in their lessons and encourage their learning by asking questions and sending small gifts to acknowledge their hard work.
- Attend Grandparent Days if you’re able.
- Support parents by helping with homework or purchasing new school supplies or clothes. Word of caution: always check with parents first.
- If parents are homeschooling or the grandchildren are still doing virtual learning at home, why not make or pick up a meal one day a week and drop it off. You could also stay and eat with them.
So whether they are going off to school, being homeschooled, or doing virtual learning; let your grandchildren know that you are praying for them to have a great year. May your grandchildren be salt and light to their classmates and neighborhood friends. May they grow in their knowledge of school subjects but more importantly in their love of God and others.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
