Our kids went back to school today.  Today marked the first day in over ten years that we have not had a child at home.  My youngest son started kindergarten this year.  It is amazing how time flies.  I remember my parents and grandparents telling me that the older that I get, the faster time flies.  As a parent, I couldn't agree with that statement more.

School is an important part of children growing up and becoming adults.  With each passing year, our kids grow to know more and develop habits that they will carry with them the rest of their life.  We send our children to a private Christian school because we believe in Biblical integration.  We want God and his word to be integrated into class room teachings.  It is important to us as parents to have teachers that re-enforce what we are teaching our children at home.

As a child growing up, I did not have the luxury of going to a Christian school.  Both of my parents worked, so I remember being in before and after school care.  This schedule made for a long day and by the time I got home I just wanted to veg in front of the TV.  My family never read the Bible when I was a child, so I spent my younger years without a firm Biblical foundation.  We went to Church on Sunday, but I was never involved in youth group.  Having a weak Biblical foundation was tough.  I dreaded going back to school every year.

When I went back to school in the fall, it was fun all over again.  Notice the sarcasm?

What we should do as parents when our kids go back to school.

Going back to school is good and bad at the same time.  It is good for children to meet back up with their friends and get back in the routine.  The bad thing is that it can put a strain on your child's spiritual time.  After a busy day of school comes after school extracurricular activities.  Many of these activities require evenings and weekends.  After these activities are done comes home work and then off to bed.  Where does the Bible fit into this schedule?

It is hard having a busy life with so many things going on at the same time.  I would encourage you to make sure that your children keep focused on the Kingdom.  Bible reading before homework or before bed is great.  No matter how busy our family is, we do not forget to keep our children in the word.

Matthew 6:33 NASB But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.