I love holidays on Facebook. At Christmas everyone posts pictures of kids in pajamas covered in wrapping paper. Thanksgiving is usually full of updates about favorite foods. And for a few weeks in August and September, I love seeing everyone’s first day of school photos! All the parents are proud and exclaiming over how much their kids have grown while the kids look nervous, excited and neatly dressed!
Our first day of school pictures took two days as my daughter does a hybrid-homeschool where she goes to school two days a week and does homeschool three days. I love my daughter in a school uniform, but there is something about barefoot kiddos starting school that is super fun, too!
No matter how you do school, there is something important about celebrating the milestone of a new year. Kids feel their parents’ excitement. And taking pictures is a way to say, “Hey, we are excited about YOU!”
I once heard the Children’s Pastor at our church say, “If you don’t celebrate your kids, someone else will.” That has always stuck with me. I want my kids to see me (and our family) as a place that cherishes them and honors them more than anyone else does! I want my kids to turn to our family for affirmation and encouragement–not random peers!
Did you know God celebrates us, too? Zepheniah 3:17 says,
“The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Do you see the picture? God takes such delight in you he has to start singing it! Just as I held my newborn babies in my arms and sang made up love songs to them, God sings over me!
This school year, I am purposing in my heart to rest in God’s great delight over me. To turn to Him when I need comfort and affirmation.
I also want to follow in His example and celebrate, delight and enjoy the time I have with my children! Here are two of my favoriteĀ fun school-time celebrations to help you celebrate your kids…
Daily Scripture Love Notes: an easy way to get God’s Word in your kids’ hearts!
Backpack Family Zipper Pull: a special hug from home!
What’s a fun way you celebrate your kids?
Kristina says
They look so excited! What a great start to a new school year:)
Love the activities you’ve done so far – my daughter started Kindergarten, so between school and work, we’ve been trying to fit in some extra things too – tracing their bodies and hanging them on the wall is great (I used to do a similar thing with my students at school).
Thanks for sharing all your ideas – your celebratory enthusiasm is quite contagious:)
Kristina