You’ve heard it said: parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. This quote summarizes the challenges parents face during back-to-school season – especially for children who have experienced trauma.
Kick off the school year by creating habits that help maintain a sense of normalcy — even through the most trying days. HopeConnect™ offers this collection to help make every day smoother and more positive — for both you and your child.
This is the second article in our Back to School Collection, a six-part series designed to equip you with the skills and strategies you need to start this fall semester off on the right foot. Read our first article in the series, Back to School Collection: 5 Tips for a Successful Transition, now.
Ensure Quality Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for academic performance and emotional regulation, especially when children are going back to school.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal it’s time to wind down
- Limit electronics before bed, including phones, tablets, video games and television
- Avoid enormous meals and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime
- Create a sleep-inducing environment with a quiet, dark room and comfortable bedding
- Use HopeConnect™ Bedtime activities like Bedtime Band-Aids and One, Two, See
Create a Calm Home Environment
After an overwhelming school day, children need a soothing space at home. Establish a routine for when your child returns from school.
- Designate a specific area in your home as a calm space to spend time in discussing the day
- Place backpack in a designated spot, preferably by the door
- Change into comfortable clothes
- Use the HopeConnect Meal Mix-Up activity to have fun while making a healthy snack together and make moments to talk.
Fun, Family Everyday Moments
Regular family meals can provide a crucial opportunity for bonding and open communication. Use mealtime as a way to connect during the busy back to school season.
- Implement a “show and tell” dinner on Sunday to kick off another week of school
- Use HopeConnect Everyday Moments activities from It’s Mealtime
- Consider themed dinners to make the experience more engaging:
- Backwards Night: Wear clothes backwards, turn chairs around
- Around the World Theme: Try foods from different cultures
- Breakfast for Dinner: Enjoy breakfast foods in the evening
- DIY Pizza Night: Make pizzas from scratch as a family activity
By implementing these strategies and tips, you can help your child transition more smoothly from summer break to the new school year. Remember, consistency and a supportive environment are key to helping your child feel secure and ready to learn.
Speak Hope
Share the real, lasting Hope of God’s Word into your child’s heart, soul, and mind. Aid them in understanding the ease with which they can experience the power of engaging with the Bible in all aspects of their day. Consider writing notes of encouragement powered by God’s Hope in your child’s lunchbox.
The following 7 pillars from God’s Word establish HopeConnect. Share these throughout the entire school year with your child.
- God’s Hope helps us when we are weary and crying for help ~ Psalm 119:147
- Hope is faith in God’s future for us ~ Jeremiah 29:11
- God’s Hope is trustworthy ~ Hebrews 6:19
- God’s Hope never disappoints ~ Romans 5:5
- Faith in God is the reality of His lasting Hope ~ Hebrews 11:1
- God’s Hope builds joy, peace, trust and power ~ Romans 15:13
- We find rest in God’s Hope ~ Psalm 62:5
Last week’s Transitioning Back to School (Part 1) and today’s Part 2 equip you as parent or caregiver of a child who has endured a distressing situation. Our aim is to support you in building a stronger connection with your child so that you may assist them in connecting with the Hope of God’s Word.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The back to school season can be stressful for children who have experienced trauma. However, by establishing effective routines and sharing the hope of God’s Word with your children, this busy season can be a little less stressful.
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” ~Psalm 62:5 (NLT)
APPLICATION
The Everyday Moments™ activity collection comes with more than a dozen games you can play with your children during mealtime, bedtime, car rides and more. Find the perfect activity to remind your child of God’s unending love for them here.