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TRANSITIONING INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school can be a very awkward time as students are becoming increasingly self-aware and therefore increasingly self-conscious. However, the chance to see your student’s personality emerge more and more each day can also make middle school a lot of fun. As your student heads to middle school this year:

· Take some time to ask your students what they are

learning about themselves, and then to encourage cool attributes and interests you see in them, whether that’s a skill, passion, or personality trait. · Try establishing a routine of talking to your student one-on-one every day. Ask specific questions about friends and teachers, and what were the best and worst parts of their day. Whatever it is that they love to do, find a way to do it with them! This will show them the love of God and His parent’s heart for us. God enjoys us, so in turn take time to simply enjoy your children. · Get to know your student’s friends. · Remind your student that loving God and loving others is the most important thing that they can be doing. In the midst of school stress, sports, and social drama, this is often a needed reminder. �

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TRANSITIONING INTO HIGH SCHOOL

Your high school student is on the fast track to adulthood. In light of this, two important things to keep in mind are to continue to model Christ-centered adulthood well, and to find places where you can begin to treat your student more and more like an adult.

· As you can, give your student increasing freedom and

responsibility. Give your student freedom to fail. They will surprise you with their ability to handle new responsibilities, but if they do “fail,” it provides signifcant opportunities for learning and growth. · When you can, ask questions instead of telling. Questions like “what do you think you would do differently next time?” can empower students in ways telling often does not. · It can be really tempting to give grades, sports, or other activities more significance than they deserve. Remind your student (and yourself!) that loving God and loving others is the most important thing. · Get involved! Help your student get connected with a Christian community. Encourage them to try a new group out 3-4 times before they give up on it.

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HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME?

Is getting the kids back to school always a chaotic time, between school supply lists, those extra runs for clothes that actually fit, and adjusting to a new, busier schedule? Or does September bring a welcome break, with the opportunity to get back into a more “normal” routine? No matter what this season looks like for your family, there are valuable ways to smooth out this transition.� As you approach this upcoming school year, spend some time thinking about what you value in your child’s education.�Is the schooling option you have chosen for your child still the best fit? If the answer is yes, start praying for the teachers and staff your child will encounter this year.�Pray for the examples they will set. Pray for guidance for them as well as strength for the year ahead. Next, consider some of the following ideas to help your child as they move into another year of education.��� � COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER BY: CHERYL FOSTER

Developing a positive relationship with your child’s teacher from the start will pave the way for clear communication, making a difference in your child’s educational experience throughout the school year!

· Ask the teacher which form of communication he or

she prefers (email, notes, calls, or face-to-face). · Start off the school year by sharing your child’s strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and personality with your child’s teacher. Otherwise it may take several weeks or months for a teacher to become familiar with your child.

· Avoid waiting for parent-teacher conferences if you

· Along with individual commitments, plan for activities

· Each child in the classroom is unique. Respect the

For additional resources about maintaining balance in life and family, read Richard Swenson’s “Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives”.

have a question or concern. Addressing a social or academic issue right away can go a long way in achieving a positive outcome. · Communicate individual family situations to the teacher where appropriate. This can be helpful in understanding your child. Examples may include: parent who travels frequently, single parent, separa tion or divorce, ill family member, recent loss of a friend or family member.

teacher’s complex job in accommodating the various needs. · When academics are addressed, try to keep the focus on the learning process rather than on grades alone. If you have a classroom or curriculum concern, attempt to work out the issue with the teacher first before taking the problem to an administrator. Many times, careful communication with a teacher early on can help avoid an escalation of the issue later. In addition to prayer, seek for ways to encourage your child’s teacher. A simple note of appreciation goes a long way! �

MAINTAINING BALANCE FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR BY: ALISSA DARIN

The beginning of the school year is an energizing time. Parents and students are excited about new classes, fun friendships, and challenging activities. As parents begin planning and scheduling, often the family calendar becomes totally consumed.�Our best intentions to provide every positive opportunity for our children and families can often cause increased stress and anxiety, and decreased joy. � Planning the year with balance in mind can help us maintain physical, emotional, spiritual, and familial health. Here are a few points to consider before solidifying the yearly family calendar:

· Pray and seek God’s wisdom about your upcoming

schedule. Ask God how you and your family would spend their time to serve His kingdom and honor the gifts He has placed within your children. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke� 12:34

that can be done as a family, including meal times, prayer, service projects, or fun outings. � · Find the balance point that is right for your family. As you honor God with your time and schedule, look for the Spirit’s continued leading to discover your balance-point. Consider saying “No” to certain activities if they are negatively affecting your family’s walk with the Lord.

FUN FAMILY TRADITIONS: BY CHERYL MILNES

Family traditions are part of the glue that keeps the family together, and they provide crucial memory-making opportunities. Traditions can be very simple and enjoyable for the whole family, and�by establishing them, you can take some of the seriousness out of life and build in some fun and relaxation.�In addition, these traditions will help establish important ideas that your children will carry with them into adulthood. � � Some Family traditions to consider:

· END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION�– Have a party to celebrate the first day of school.�Think about including a fun activity, such as an ice cream dinner, as part of the party.

· SPECIAL FAMILY NIGHT- Try designating a special night once �

a month to watch movies and eat popcorn or spen time playing games as a family.

· CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS - Consider going all out to decorate



your home for birthdays with balloons and banners. Let the birthday child pick what’s for dinner, and/or give them a special plate. Spend time having everyone else at the table go around telling them things that they appreciate about him/her.

· REVERSE DINNER- Try planning these at the beginning of a new season.�As a family, eat dessert first!�

· STORY TIME- Build in moments to read and tell stories at bedtime.�

· STAYCATION - Take time to do something out of the

ordinary without the hassle of travel.�It could be something as simple as camping in your own backyard.�You can set up an itinerary for the weekend of all the fun activities your family will do during your staycation.��