Back To School-Parent view

Children are the most important aspect of our future. We tend to forget that we were once children ourselves. In the hope of reaching an empathetic point of view, we share a mother’s perspective on her son’s journey to school. (Note: All identities are anonymous for obvious reasons.)

“It is a great honor and privilege for me as a momma. My favorite parts of when they were little, was the cuddles and the ability to control their environment and pick them up when they needed me.” A momma who loves

Can you share a little about yourself?

I am a mother to five children and a grandmother to one, with another grandchild on the way. I am also a wife, and most importantly, a redeemed child of God. I like to think of myself as a Redeemed Mother, grateful for all the grace God has done through me because of His love for me.

Now that school has officially started, how are you feeling so far?

Excited, nervous, hopeful, weary, and refreshed, and I feel peaceful.

As a parent, what are some worries and fears you might carry this school year?

That I won’t be there to protect them or do their work or tests. I have asked myself questions like; Are they going to be ok? What if someone picks on them? How will they handle that, will it hurt them? It can be overwhelming at times for me as a mom.

Now out of Faith, what have you done to combat those fears and worries you might face?        

Take it to God. Absorbing the word of God in my life daily is a huge game-changer. I try to listen and absorb it and speak it. Prayer is pivotal for me. I pray for my children and family every day. I ask God for wisdom, and discernment on what I can do. I pray I rise to the occasion of following through with faith. For me personally, speaking God’s Word over me allows the peace of God over any anxious thoughts and feelings. Ask and ye shall receive.

You previously shared with me about your son back in 3rd grade and more recently about the anxiety he has been experiencing in the classroom since then. Could you elaborate on your experience?

It all started in 3rd grade. I was on my way to school because my son was not feeling good. The school nurse explained to me that my son was not wanting to go back to the classroom, because of the teacher. Of course, as his mom, I had a lot of questions and concerns. I reached out to his teacher who mentioned she would change her approach with him. She was helpful. I also reached out to his school counselor and let her know about all these concerns, and with her guidance and suggestions we moved forward with a plan. As time passed, he still did not want to return to the classroom.  We started to have long mornings of persuading and encouragement each morning. One day it clicked, and I figured out he may be experiencing anxiety.

As each day went by, I started to recall him mentioning several encounters with his teacher, explaining how he felt, it was heartbreaking as a mom not knowing if teachers or staff were helping or making it worse.

At this point, we were feeling, stressed, emotional frustration, and helplessness. I remember the day I arrived at the church for an evening ministry class that they held during the week. My son was supposed to go to childcare there. As we approached the doors, we were holding hands, and I felt his hand tug at mine. He froze and wouldn’t go any further. He was staring straight at the building. He said, “No! I am not going in there.”

Anytime we went to church or school the building would trigger this high anxiety. Imagine working over an hour each time to persuade your child to get ready and even having to carry him. We scheduled many appointments with the psychiatrist. At the time it was virtual so it was not the best assessment. They wanted him on all this medication but as his mom and a faith believer in God, I of course needed some time in prayer.

Did you find a solution after all and if so how did you navigate this new road with your son’s new social anxiety behaviors?

I decided to homeschool after much prayer and trial and error. I couldn’t push him anymore to go to school. He would go into a fight mode and the struggle is not worth it at this time, it took its toll on all of us. I didn’t want to keep allowing for these triggers. I decided to show him a different route, teaching him at home. This allowed him not to be so hard on himself. The pressure was off for him.  I homeschooled him off and on for the next 3 years. We did try different schools in between to see how he would do. He currently is in a charter school. And yes we still have hiccups even now being in 6th grade.

My daily reminders to myself, God is faithful! One day at a time.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

How important is it for you to be a praying momma? Very important. When we open up our hearts and mouths to God, he will hear our prayers.  I have learned through much trial and error that only when I take it to him in prayer, God can begin working in me and my life.  We cannot do life without him, on our own. I can’t afford to live life without him. The sooner we take it to him, the sooner he begins.

What spiritual rhythms can you share to help encourage a parent or guardian who can pray for their family this new school year? Find Bible verses that strengthen your children and yourself. Have them and declare them as much as possible. Be a praying parent. Read your Word, learn, and grow in the lord. Bedtime Bible stories, devotions, or Bible studies. And when you can’t, never let go of God and his hand holding you. He will carry you and your family through. Reminding you of his Word.

God is faithful. His word says “Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. “ (Philippians 1:6).

We have to trust God with our children and with everything, and leave it there with him. It is learning to surrender control. In actuality, we are powerless. And we surrender to the one who is all power, Jesus Christ.