Copyright 2019 Ellen Mongan. All rights reserved.[/caption]
Copyright 2019 Ellen Mongan
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)“No more carpools, no more books, no more sleepy children’s looks,” rang in my mind every spring as I anxiously awaited the last day of school. I pictured my family barefoot at the beach building sand castles. I pictured drinking a diet Coke as I lay on my little blue raft in the pool. I pictured family work days followed by an ice cream sundae party for all. I rejoiced at no homework, no schedules, and no sporting events. I was excited about being family, building character and making memories. In my mind, it was to be the picture, perfect summer. Then reality hit! Halfway through the summer, sibling rivalry was at its peak. The house began to need “Maid-A-Day” spelled "M-O-M." Summer funds were low from all the summer activities, and I was exhausted. Now I had a different picture in my mind. I pictured driving up to the carpool line with a permanent smile on my face. I pictured all of my children getting out of the car as they politely said, “Thank you, mom!” I pictured myself lifting my arm up and giving a beauty pageant wave to all my children as I as politely said, “Have a great day. I love you.” They say if you want to dream, dream big! Copyright 2019 Ellen Mongan. All rights reserved.[/caption] I was ready for school to begin. As the children were whining, “No school!” I was shouting, “Yes, yes, school!” -- but only in my mind. These profound words I spotted on a bumper sticker, “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.” We change our clothes, and sometime our style. We change our diets. We change our attitudes. Seasons in our lives change. Change was on the horizon; a new school year was going to begin. So, how do we properly prepare, and all grow in this new school year? Teach your child to know that they can tell you anything. Work hard at keeping the lines of communication open. If they have a problem at two or at twelve, assure them that the door to your heart and your room is open. No reservations necessary. Be ready with a listening ear that is well trained to listen between the lines even if there are no words spoken. Be discerning to know when to give wise advice and when to be silent. An assuring hug can heal a broken heart faster than a word of encouragement at times. Let them know that you are on their team and they can count on you. Encourage your child to be a good example and to do the right thing no matter who is watching. Teach your child that not telling those in authority about another student’s misbehavior can be as irresponsible as the student who is doing wrong. Teach your child that Honesty is always the best policy by walking with integrity yourself. Character counts, so reward right choices! Teach your children to welcome the new guy or gal in the class. Encourage your children to invite them over or include the new student in their circle of friends. Be hospitable and teach your children that there is room in your home and lives for all to be welcome. Sit down with each child before the school year begins. Ask them if they have any fears, anxiety, or questions about the upcoming school year. Then have a talk about some serious problems that could arise. Bullying, peer pressure, cheating on tests, strangers, drugs, alcohol, and relating to the opposite sex should be addressed. What are their goals, hopes, and expectations for the coming year? Make it clear what you expect of them. If you are addressing high-school or college students you can narrow down “The Talk” to three specific points:
- Be Pure
- Be Legal
- Be Righteous
Copyright 2019 Ellen Mongan
About the Author
Ellen Mongan
Ellen Mongan hosts three podcasts: Wow Mom, Deacon & Dear, and Go Tell the World, found on YouTube or EllenMongan.com. Her books, “Wow Mom: A Walk with God,” “4 For the Mountaintop,” and “Who Will Wear the Crown” found on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. Married 50 years to Deacon Patrick Mongan, M.D. Mother to 8, and Nana to 15.
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