Christine's Corner: Back to School Time!

As we begin another school year, I am reminded, even in the midst of a pandemic, that this is a time of new beginnings, a time to press the restart button. But because this year feels different, this may be hard to do. Even in our new beginnings, we might still be feeling anxious, worried, worn out and burnt out. And our children may be feeling this way as well.

Because of this, I have been searching for methods and resources that can guide us as we try to refocus ourselves to find hope, peace, and rest. One way to do this is through mindfulness. In her article 7 Mindfullness Exercise for Young Children, Nicole Fellrath describes mindfulness as “a great way for us to practice how to be calm and relaxed and learn that our thoughts and emotions don’t need to rule our minds”. You can read the entire article here to find ways in which you can teach your child how to find mindfulness.

Another resource that I have found helpful is Traci Smith’s book Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home. In this book, Smith gives practical and simple exercises and routines to do with your family to help create a safe and comfortable space within your home.

As a parent of teenagers, I am also aware of the stress and anxiety our youth face during normal times, not to mention during this time of Covid 19. In their series Faith In An Anxious World, the Fuller Institute has a podcast and an article that addresses these two issues in our youth and how we, as parents and the church, can help them.

I hope that you find these resources helpful as you begin a new school year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions and concerns that I can be of help with.