Back to School is a Rite of Passage

I am a bit late posting this so I hope you can still feel the celebration that comes with a new school year even though everyone is a couple of days into it by now.

We always hear how excited parents are to have their children back in school. There is a routine that is back in the family lifestyle. No more hearing “I am bored,” or “There is nothing to do,” or “Why can’t we do something fun for a change?” Some parents think, the children are back in school we should do something fun. And the children are thinking oh no school, too much homework, a mean teacher, a new school I won’t have any friends etc. What if instead of focusing on the negatives we focus on the positives?

We should be celebrating the chance for our children to grow in knowledge and experience. How can we do that? In Russia, the first day of school means a time to celebrate learning. The teachers receive flowers and in turn have bags of candy for the students. In India the students are wearing flowers. And in Israel honey cookies are made in the shape of the letters of the alphabet.

Do you have any special rituals to celebrate the return to school and the excitement of learning new things this year? What about having a special meal the night before school starts? You could serve alphabet themed items, such as alphabet soup. Do you make a day of back to school shopping and stopping to have a meal out with the children? You could make everyday things seem exciting, when you have that special meal the night before school starts use a table cloth and the good dishes. After the meal gather all of the new school supplies (already in backpacks) and then thank the Lord for the new year and as His blessing on everyone (teachers included).