Preparing Kids for School 

By Tim Pollard 

School can be an exciting time for kids. Maybe after a long summer (for them) your kids are ready to get back into the routine of daily classes. Maybe after a short summer (for them) your kids are not ready to get back into the routine of daily classes. Either way, school is going to start and there are some things you can do to help make that transition back into the classroom a little bit smoother.  

1. Set realistic expectations. One of the first things you can do is to set realistic expectations. The beginning of a new school year can be scary, especially if your child is in one of those transitional years like kindergarten or the beginning of middle school. Be excited with your child about the new experience but also understand that your child might have some real fears that you can talk through with them.  
2. Be available. If your child is apprehensive, take some real time to sit and actively listen to your child’s fears and worries. Being available to listen will help as you openly talk about those concerns. Also, after school starts, continue the pathway of communication so that kids know you always care.  
3. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to start collecting school supplies. Be proactive collecting supplies you know they are going to need like pencils, paper, notebooks, and other common items that are always on those school supply lists. By gathering these things ahead of time, you make the stress and panic of the school supply aisle at your favorite store a thing of the past.  
4. Pray. As always, the best thing we can ever do in any situation is to pray. God wants us to trust Him! No matter the school environment your child is moving into, whether it’s a public school, a private school, or home school, God calls for us to rely on Him to make this school year the greatest one your child has ever experienced. 

No matter the school environment your child is moving into, whether it’s a public school, a private school, or home school, God calls for us to rely on Him to make this school year the greatest one your child has ever experienced.  Share on X

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.