Back to School: What is Normal?
Appreciate the thoughts our friends, Joey & Carla have shared regarding our children returning to school and answering the question what is: “Back to Normal?!”
“With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and kids going back to school in classrooms practicing social distancing and having to wear masks, the big question is, "What exactly is normal?"
While schools may have been out for the past several months, they really have never stopped learning. The question is: What have they been learning?
from siblings
from watching their parents handle life's stress
from news on TV or what they read or hear on the internet
from friends
We have all heard more than once that "more is caught than taught". With summer coming to an end and school starting in one way or another, it's a good time to stop and take inventory of what your kids have been learning the past several months.
With all that has happened in our world with the pandemic, the murders, and subsequent protesting the last couple of months in the United States, some kids could be developing fears or anxiety, especially those with the Melancholy and Sanguine temperaments. But God says,
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
This verse tells us:
You don't need to be fearful or anxious about anything, including COVID and riots.
Pray about everything (no exceptions).
Ask humbly (supplication) when you pray.
Tell God you will be thankful for however He chooses to answer you when you pray.
You will have peace and calm which you can't understand.
Through the Holy Spirit this peace will overcome your heart and your mind, keeping it focused on what God wants it to be.
What a great verse to break down and teach your kids who have the tendency to become stressed and anxious. Also, please encourage your children to not mock their siblings or anyone else who may struggle with anxiety. It is not fair to them and will only make matters much, much worse.
So, what have your kids been seeing at home during this time the world is in upheaval? As a husband and wife, are you enjoying each other? Or are the kids seeing a short-tempered mom and dad who are more characterized by arguing all the time? Remember, more is ‘caught than taught’. If children are not seeing their parents communicating positively with each other and bringing all their stresses to God in prayer with the home environment, how will they learn what a healthy marriage and a life lived God's way should look like?
Here’s a little check list as a husband/wife, dad/mom:
Are we still using kind and encouraging words with each other?
Are we having dates, can even be having dessert by candlelight after the kids go to bed?
Are we sharing with our children the things we are praying about about? How about keeping a record of family prayer requests and recording when God answers those prayers.
For our single parents, be sure you are keeping up with your friends albeit digitally. With the kids being home for so many months, it’s easy for parents to become child-centered, something to check on.
In reality, our kids never left school, because they are always learning just by watching us as parents, what we do, how we react and how we are handling life's ups and downs. In many ways, our kids' lives are as normal as they were a year ago. They know that Mom and Dad will take care of them, that you will never stop loving them. They know that you will protect them from harm and they can feel secure in their home and with their family. They know that you will continue to encourage them in right behavior and correct them when necessary. They know that you continue to love and trust God. Through your example in both word and deed, your children are learning to do so as well. That's what we hope and pray is "normal" for your family.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
