Content has a predictable curve in our times. Entering a new decade, I felt like we should be more creative, but online conversations followed familiar patterns coming into the new year. So many invitations went out offering ways to “follow” this or that. We can’t possibly follow it all. Maybe it’s my season of life or finding change so constant, but it feels to me like there are SO MANY words around us. It’s too much. It makes us tired. I’ve been writing privately in my head, on napkins, in my notebook, and in my texts to myself (do you do that?), but I’ve been reluctant to post here and add more words to the swell. I think twice.
But there’s something I’m not seeing or hearing “out there.” We’re talking a lot about organizing, purging, assessing, fasting, and growing, but we aren’t saying much about pausing to check on the children. The children and students in our lives. How are they as we mark this mid-year of a school year?
Big things happen in the second half of a school year, once rules are routine and foundations are familiar. We have a conference behind us and new chances in front of us. Interspersed in the remaining months come things like testing, Spring Break, shared viruses (please not mono!), final grades, plans for next year, team sports, and all the things we can’t foresee. Some of the greatest challenges come in the second half when endurance is essential. Often, failure or success rest in the way we press on and finish a year.
It’s in our nature to get tired and fizzle out. Maybe that’s why we love a new year. Maybe that’s why women rally ’round each other in the first month of a new decade to take stock of how we’re living and band together in letting go of rubbish and taking hold of what’s worth having and keeping. The Bible tells us people who hang in there in doing well all the way will be glad they did!
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
So how are our children? As we toss out our secret sugar stash, donate our excess, re-work our schedules, go for walks, manage our screen time, and read our Bible regularly, let’s give thoughtful attention to how our kids are doing at this point in the year. You might start by asking these 10 simple questions, or download the free printable PDF version HERE to help shape your thoughts about one area of life that matters most – the children we care for.
10 Questions to Ask for the Middle of the School Year
- What ways have I seen ____ learn or grow during the first half of the school year?
- Are there accomplishments we need to celebrate or reflect on?
- What challenges may fill the 2nd half of the school year, between now and the end?
- In what ways do I see the character of this child being stretched and shaped?
- How can I take steps to balance encouragement and help, while giving space and opportunity?
- Is there a resource we could access to equip this child to tackle challenges and opportunities?
- Do I know another person who could mentor, model, instruct, or encourage this child?
- How could we create a time for a conversation about what they’ve learned, want to learn, and how they will finish Part 2 of the year?
- What do I need to tell God I’m grateful for in the life of this child?
- What concerns do I need to verbalize to God about this child’s growth, and what help could I ask for?
Pray with me for our kids?
Dear Heavenly Father, as we mark a new month and year, help me to see clearly how my child is growing and what needs they have. Would you give me a fresh appreciation for their unique personality and abilities, and would you give me greater understanding about how they learn and how I can help them in developing wisdom in decision-making, compassion for others, and courage in their character? Help me to preserve time and energy to invest in the rest of this school year in ______’s life (insert your child, nephew, niece, grandchild, friend, or neighbor).
Resources
The ABCs of Praying for Students is a helpful tool for caring grown ups who want to refresh their prayers for the kids in their lives as the second half of the school year starts. We’re investing in a lot of things to start this “new” well. Let’s take time to think and pray about how we’re going to think and pray for our students. Get a copy here.
