Let’s talk about the first days of school. As school ramps up all over the place, I’ve been thinking about how important it is for kids to know that they matter.
This is always on my mind each new school year. Because it can be so easy for kids to get swept away in new routines and schedules and get a bit lost in the shuffle. Oh, it’s all so exciting: a new school year stretched out in front of them. But it also can be a bit daunting as kids search for new friends and a sense of belonging.
And it’s kind of crazy that right alongside this time when kids are building their own confidence, social media and the comparison game is in full force.
So how do we help our kids lean into the right things when they’re struggling? I’d love your ideas.
If you’re on my email list, you’ll know that I have a series of five weekly emails coming for the next five weeks. Each week I’m sending one simple idea for helping kids feel seen and know they matter. The first idea went out this week: this simple fingertip trick. It is so easy and works for kids of any age.
Anyway, lots more on that in the emails, but I wanted to take a minute to talk about “our” first days of school.
“We” have three kids who started into new schools this year. Yes, I’m counting this gal:
I mean, after so many years of sending off all my kids AND their friends to school, I gotta claim all the extras I can, right?
Murphy’s First Day of School
Murphy is doing her first year of preschool and is in a Chinese immersion preschool. How exciting is that??
Just as expected, that girl absolutely adores the structure, learning, social environment…and her teacher. She is thriving and sang me part of a Chinese song last time I was there.
Can you see the love in her teacher’s face? I’m sure she is showing Murphy, every day, that she matters.
I love.
Claire’s First Day of School
Ok and Claire started her junior year of college.
Have I mentioned that girl got into the programs for all three majors she applied for? Finance, Marketing and Business Management. I’m pretty proud of her. She chose Marketing, and she is head over heels in love with all that she is learning.
Even as an adult, that glistening girl of mine still needs to remember she matters. Knowing you matter is a basic human need, so yes. it can help us all.
Lucy’s First Day of School
And then there’s my Lu.
I don’t have a picture of the first day of school for that girl. But I pictured it looking a bit like this:
Maneuvering her way around that huge campus, hopefully using her cane! (I think since we were with her on this move-in day she wanted to show us she knew where to go from memory.).
How I hope and pray that every now and again someone walking on the other side of that sidewalk will hop on over and say hi. Tell her they like her braid. Something to remind her that even though this could be a lonely time, she matters.
Isn’t it amazing what a difference it makes when someone reminds us we matter? Let’s all show someone that today in honor of Lu. And if you have any prayers to send along, I’m sure she’ll take them.
XOXO
P.S. If you’re not on the list yet, sign up here and the next four ideas will land right in your inbox.
The pix of Murphy at her pre-school are lovely & so special. She certainly sounds like she is ready for this.
Just curious, is this the same pre-school that Moses went to? I’m sure he went to one where they mainly spoke Chinese or Spanish.
I wish Claire & Lucy are a great year in their colleges.
In the US what is the difference between a college & a uni or are they roughly the same?
Do they have freshers weeks at colleges/unis in the US like they do in the UK? They are very popular & a great way to meet other students.
Sorry for all the questions, it’s just that I never went to college or uni & it’s interesting to learn about them.
I know it’s early but I hope Lucy has a lovely birthday on Thursday. x 🎁🎂🎈🥳🎉