Mom's Checklist for the New School Year

It is hard to believe that our summer is over so soon. Our county does start school quite early, August 1st. It is a time for new beginnings for my girls, Amelia in 10th grade and Alivia in 8th. It is also a time for me to get back on track in some areas as a Mom. As much as I dread getting back into the routine of the "school schedule", there is something that I love about starting over and new beginnings. Getting to bed early, new clothes for the girls, new notebooks and binders, new routines. As a God-fearing Mom that is not about to stand by and allow Satan to get my kids (you know that that is his goal), there are some very important things that need to be included in our routine.

• Start the day with prayer. Before my girls went out the door this morning, I prayed with them and for them. I prayed that they would be a blessing to the people that they are around today, that they would have a mind for learning and that they would sense the Lord's presence with them all through the day. God is with them, but it is a good thing for them to be reminded that He is with them all throughout the day.
• Expect Excellence. I want my girls to be the best that they can be, not anything more, but diligent in giving their best in all their task.
• Great Attitude.  My husband and I often tell the girls that their teachers will not likely remember who gets the best grades in their class, but they will remember the kid with the best attitude.
• Love One Another - Home is the Fortress, the Safe Place. Other people may be unkind, they may beat us down, belittle us, make us feel second rate. Home is the safe place, the place that we get encouraged and are loved unconditionally. Home is not the place for belittling or being rude.

There are many things that are important that should be included in this "New School Year". You can assess what is best for your family. I encourage you to give it some thought and most importantly, spend time with God. We all need our armour on (Ephesians 6) to fight off the Devil.

"My job as parent is a temporary responsibility with eternal consequences." -Tim Kimmel  

Make it a great 2011-2012 School Year!