Opinion/Resources/Teen Perspective 

By Teen Opinion Contributor Maggie Verdught

Photo: Deposit

School is coming soon! As we ease our way into the school year, I believe it would be helpful to know of some ways to make the transition easier.

I will be a sophomore in high school, heading to a new school building, with new teachers, and a new routine. That honestly makes me a bit nervous! So, as I thought of ways I could make my own transition easier, I decided to share them with you. My hope is that it encourages and inspires you to implement some of these into your family life, for your benefit (and sanity!).

Stick to a routine, as much as possible

Kids like routine. We need routine. Personally, I love a good routine; I want to know what I’m doing and to feel comfortable in the midst of everything. However, with school starting, our routines get thrown off completely. It can be disorienting and chaotic. We feel out of control, and we want the boundaries and safety of being within that old routine. So, with that understanding, try to help your kids transition to school with a joyful mindset. Help them understand that things will be different at first, and that’s okay. Let them know that you are here for them, and that a steady routine will come with time. In the meantime, try to make things as simple as possible for your own family’s schedule. The simpler the family schedule is, the easier it will be to adjust to the new school schedule and routine!

Find ways to cope with overwhelming emotions

Encourage your kids (and even do this yourself!) to find positive outlets for their emotions. When they get discouraged, or frustrated with all the change that may be happening, direct them to God’s Word. Remind them of the truth. Help them find ways for them to express themselves as they work through their feelings. There are many ways to do this (drawing, painting, physical activity, talking, writing, etc.)! Find what works for you, and your kids.

Look for the good

I hate feeling out of control. On the flip side, I also dislike the feeling of being in a box, totally controlled! But guess what? We can’t control everything, and that is a blessing, because we would do very poorly. God is the perfect orchestrator and divine planner, and He knows our hearts. So as school begins, and negative thoughts/attitudes arise within your home, look for the good. Make it a point to find something in your day that was good, and thank God for it. We are to be led by the Spirit, constantly in prayer. God is worthy of praise, in all seasons— “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

Make a list of goals 

When we make a goal list, it reminds us to stay on track with our priorities. And, believe me, I know the struggle is real! It’s difficult to get everything done, and burnout can happen. However, it is worth it to make that list. It will remind you of what you are working towards. Don’t let it become another stressor and inducer of anxiety, but rather have it as a helpful tool to keep yourself (and your family) accountable. My goal list is long. But when I read it, I am reminded of what I keep striving for, and why. Why do you do the things that you do? Your motives are just as important as actually doing those things; so think about it! 

Make a family prayer list

This last tip is one that I have not implemented. I would like to, though, and I think it is a good idea! Prayer lists, similar to goal lists, keep us accountable. When we read it, we are reminded of people, events, and things to pray for. Praying as a family is also super critical, and powerful. Make prayer your go-to response as a family. When you hear about someone’s bad news at work, pray. When you have a bad day, pray. When you have a good day, pray. When your spouse or your kids get on your nerves, pray. As Paul said, in all circumstances, pray (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)! A family prayer list will help you to do just that. 

Summing it up

My hope is that this list of tips will bless you and your family, in some way, as school begins. God is faithful in every season— hang on to scripture, and to His promises. It might be chaotic and challenging at times, but wow I am grateful that I am not alone in all of it! May we abide in Him, and in His love (John 15:4). Have a great start to your school year!

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The opinions in this article are specific to its author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Counter Culture Mom team. 

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Maggie VerDught is a high school student who enjoys learning about culture, news, and politics.

She is passionate about sharing the truth, especially with her generation. Maggie loves to run, read, and write poetry in her spare time.

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