I wasn’t a very confident child. I was scrawny, asthmatic and shy. New experiences were tough for me – experiences like going to summer camp all alone or the first day of school.

So as a parent, I was determined that my boys would be confident and comfortable in new situations like the first day of school. From a very early age, we encouraged them to try new things. Anything that interested them was fair game – a class on paleontology at the Science Museum, an exploration of American Indian art, even learning the safe way to shoot a bow and arrow. Many of those interests never expanded beyond that first experience, but the value of trying something new was immeasurable.

Is your child reluctant to try new things? Is he or she dreading the first day of kindergarten? Are you worried about kindergarten success for your child? Then now is the time to remind them of the power of new experiences. Recall a time in your life when you were nervous about starting something new – a new job, a first date, the first day of college – and tell the story of how you got through it.

Share with your children how you relied on God’s strength to lift you up. Tell them about the power of prayer in your life and how God always listens when we talk to Him. Let them know they are special to God because He created them in His image, and He loves them no matter whether they are confident or scared, excited or nervous.

From Jeremiah 33:3: “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” (The Message)  This powerful reassurance is the best gift you can give your children as you send them on their way to that magical first day of school. And don’t forget when you tuck them into bed to share a prayer of thanks to the God who watched over them on that first day of school.

Thumbuddy helps kids prepare for their first day of school and new life experiences by affirming and encouraging them with positive and strengthening words.

Through the Thumbuddy children’s book series, motivating kid’s music, preschooler curriculum activities and soaking music inspired by the assuring promises that God is always with us, ThumbPeople helps kids adults conquer fears and embrace all the blessings to be had on the first day of school and all through life!