Stress is a daily part of our lives. We can’t hide from it but can only find ways to minimize its effects on us. A little stress though is good for us.
Children also experience stress. It could be a bully at school, a harsh teacher, or even an uncomfortable classroom. At home, it could be rifts between siblings, parental discord, or the death of a family member or friend.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
1 Sam 3:8 KJV
Older children often are able to identify something that is bothering them (i.e. a stress to them), unlike younger ones who have not acquired the capacity to do so.
Children don’t and can’t manage stress the way adults do. It shows through their words, actions, and behaviours.
Little Samuel heard God calling to him but didn’t know what to do. He ran to Eli every time he heard God’s voice asking if the old priest was the one calling him. Eli identified that it was God calling little Samuel. He then told Samuel what to say when next he heard the voice.
The bible doesn’t record that Samuel experienced any stress but it was a situation that was new to him. He couldn’t process it and went to the only person he knew that could help. And Eli was able to help him.
Parents must be observant to notice any change in their children. Children won’t tell you what is disturbing them immediately, even when you ask. Only by observing can a parent find out. Parents must give total attention to children when they are speaking.
Declaration: My children are not under stress. They learn to speak out. They are surrounded daily by the right people.
Prayer (parent): Lord, help me to be truly observant about my child(ren). Help me to notice the changes in them no matter how subtle they may be. Amen.
Action plan: Parent, sit down and watch your child today. Go through their things, room, and find things you never noticed before.
Beyond learning at school, you get to relate with other individuals. You must learn how to be responsible as you relate with people. There are teachers, non-teaching staff, and your fellow students to relate with at school.
Every school has rules and regulations guiding its operations and existence.
Students are meant to obey these rules and regulations at all times.
As a student, the first way to show responsibility is by obeying the rules and regulations of your school.
You should also ensure that you help other students to obey the laws of the school.
When a fellow student is doing something contrary to school rules, you should tell him it’s against the rules. That way you have done your part.
Do not also follow other students to break the rules. Rather than do this, report to the teachers.
In class, ensure you are not causing distractions or joining others to do so. Your class is part of the school and whatever rules the class teacher lays down should be obeyed.
These are just some ways you can show responsibility at school.
May God guide your hearts towards obeying rules and regulations at school. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to be a responsible student at school. Amen.
Action point: Do you know your school rules and regulations? If yes, are you obeying them? If no, get them and read so you can start obeying them.
Declaration: I am an obedient child. I obey laid down rules and regulations.
Another area to review this year is your academics. Not doing well in school is a slap to your Christianity, so you must strive to make better academic decisions.
Do you know we are meant to top our classes?
Deut 28:13 (NKJV)And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
That’s the dominion mandate. That’s God’s original intent for you. One who is not spiritual ought not to be ahead in your class. You ought to call the shots! Therefore you must learn to make great academic decisions.
Reflect on the following questions;
How well did you perform in examinations and tests at school?
Did you understand all you were taught in class?
Did you seek clarification at any point?
How well did you pay attention in class?
How much time did you spend studying and reading? (this so much reflects the quality of the academic decisions you are making)
Did it have any impact on your grades?
How many times did you ask for someone to help you with your lessons?
Did you join a study group?
Did it have any effect on your grades?
What effects did it make on your grades?
How many hours did you spend watching movies or playing games instead of studying?
These are just some guidelines that will point you towards making great academic decisions – knowing what to continue, stop, or start doing. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So take an inventory and make your decisions afterward.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your help with my academics. I am deeply grateful for your assistance.
Action point: Make better academic decisions – make a list of what worked for you and what didn’t. Plan to improve on what worked and stop what didn’t work.
Declaration: I take inventory of my life and make the necessary adjustments.
It is important that our children learn how to give. Let’s start by looking at that Scripture in Psalms that talks about how we have been wonderfully made.
Ps 139:14, KJV I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
The bible tells us that we are wonderfully and beautifully made by God. Can you imagine yourself as beautiful and wonderful? Do you see yourself as ordinary? Do you see yourself as someone with no talent or gift, with nothing to give or share with others?
God couldn’t have made you so beautiful and wonderful then leave you empty. No. You are a masterpiece from the Creator’s hands, so you must learn how to give. Even the stones He created give praise to His name when you admire them. When you look at the rainbow in the sky and smile, you are praising God
Your Creator didn’t create you without something to give. No one should complain that they have nothing to give. You have something to give. It could be a thing or an action.
You have a lot to give, children. More than you can ever imagine. You could give out your clothes if you’ve outgrown them, your toys, shoes, or books. Do you know that your smile could be a gift to someone who is down and just needs someone to notice and smile at them? You should learn how to give.
Your time is also a gift you can give to teach a friend or classmate who is struggling to understand lessons at school.
Praying for others is another thing you can give. You can pray for your parents, guardians, friends, siblings, pastor, teachers, neighbours, classmates, and so on.
Helping your parents or guardians at home is another good way to use your time; therefore learn how to give by helping your parents.
Whatever it is you plan to give to others, ensure you tell your parents or guardians.
God bless you as you give. Amen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for how you made me. I am glad that I have more than I give. Teach me new ways to give to others. I learn how to give. Enable me to be a giver, to the glory of your name, Amen.
Declaration: My children learn to give. They do not withhold more than necessary.
