Do you remember what it was like to venture out on your own for your first day of kindergarten? Were the other kids nice to you, or did you feel left out? Was your teacher all you’d hoped for, or were you disappointed? Did you miss your mom?
New experiences can be unsettling, even for adults. I’ll admit I’m uncomfortable in situations where I don’t know anyone or where I’m expected to make conversation with strangers. But I’ve learned over the years that unless I step out into those unnerving situations, my confidence doesn’t grow and mature.
As parents, we can provide our children with the tools they need to make life’s transitions a little bit easier, transitions like the one from being at home with mom and dad to the first day of school. Strength and confidence can indeed be taught, but it takes a conscious effort on your part to make it happen.
Of course you’ve done all the necessary shopping for those first day of school clothes and you’ve scoured the supply list many times, just to be sure you haven’t missed anything. And you’ve visited your child’s school during the Kindergarten Round-up so he knows where the bathrooms are and can recognize his teacher on the first day of school. But if you truly want your child to have kindergarten success, you must ensure he has the power of God behind him all the way.
One of the most powerful verses in all of Scripture is from Romans 8:39: “Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Regardless of how small or insignificant we may feel, we know that God loves each of us all the time, in all circumstances.
It’s perfectly normal for our children to be nervous about the first day of school, but reassuring them that God is there with them all the way can minimize those fears and build the confidence they need to step out and enjoy all the wonderful new experiences in store for them.
Confident children are happy children – and confidence comes from the tone you’ve set in your home and the love of God in their hearts.
ThumbPeople helps kids (and adults) to celebrate all the new experiences of life with confidence and joy
Prepare your child for kindergarten success and a great first day of school with Thumbuddy children’s books, positive kid’s music, preschool curriculum and Scripture-inspired soaking music. The encouraging and hopeful words within ThumbPeople’s books and music will create a positive environment that will build your child’s self worth – and yours too!
