For many families, the first day of school is fast approaching. Share this quick faith-building message to soothe your kids’ back-to-school jitters and remind them God is always available to help them, even in the classroom.
You Can Talk to God “Anytime, Anywhere”
When you’re gathered around the dinner table or have a moment together in the car, you can use this message from President Susan H. Porter as inspiration to talk about prayer:
“Do you like to receive gifts? I want to talk to you about a very special gift that Heavenly Father has given to you to help you. It is the gift of prayer. What a blessing prayer is! We can talk to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.”
Reassure your kids that they can reach out to Heavenly Father whenever and wherever they need support, including at school. You might brainstorm ideas for when they could use this gift, such as:
- Before tests
- Before lunchtime
- Whenever they feel lonely, nervous, or confused
To help them understand how they might pray in school settings, you could summarize these two practical examples that President Porter shared:
“Have you ever felt alone? One day when our granddaughter Ashley was six years old, she was the only one without a friend to play with on the school playground. As she stood there, feeling unimportant and unseen, a specific thought came into her mind: ‘Wait! I’m not alone! I have Christ!’ Ashley knelt down right in the middle of the playground, folded her arms, and prayed to Heavenly Father. The moment she opened her eyes, a girl her age was standing there asking her if she wanted to play. Ashley came to know, ‘We are important to the Lord, and we are never truly alone.’ ...
“My new friend Jonah wrote: ‘I often feel nervous on my way to school in the morning. I worry about things like being late, forgetting something, and taking tests. When I was 10, I started saying prayers on my drive to school with my mom. I ask for the help I need, and I pray for my family too. I also think of the things I’m grateful for. [Praying to Heavenly Father has] helped me. Sometimes I don’t feel the relief right as I get out of the car, but by the time I’m at my classroom, I feel peaceful.’”
Remind your kids that if they don’t feel comfortable kneeling or bowing their heads in public, they can always pray silently.
To finish up the conversation, consider sharing a story from your life when you found strength from prayer, either as an adult or when you were a student.
Secret Codes and Sweet Reminders
If you want to incorporate an activity, create a tactile reminder about prayer for your kids to take with them to school.
This might look like painting small “prayer rocks” for their backpacks, placing smiley-face stickers on their notebooks, or tying colorful ribbons on their lunchboxes. These symbols can become a “secret code,” serving as visual cues throughout the day that only your family knows the true meaning behind.
To stick to the theme, you can listen to the new Primary song “Anytime, Anywhere” while you work on the craft together. And help the start of the school year feel extra festive by making a sweet treat, like this cabin popcorn recipe.
For more gospel-centered ideas for supporting your kids, check out the articles below:
▶ How one couple raised 8 kids to recognize the Spirit for themselves
▶ Q&A: How to support neurodivergent children at church
▶ The smart way one mom is prepping her teens for the temple endowment
