My son started his junior year in High School this week. Hard to believe. I remember the days when we used to start school after Labor Day (thank you Michigan for keeping this schedule going). He also switched high schools which is another discussion altogether but let me make this point loud and clear, in my opinion, all schools should require uniforms. Much easier, less stress and definitely less expensive. I almost went into shock when I heard how much he and his mother spent for going back to school clothes.

This time of year can get really busy, especially if you are in the season of life, like us, where you have kids getting ready to go back to school. You, too, may be emptying your savings account to make sure their wardrobe is fully stocked, buying them shoes that are way overpriced, and attending your share of orientation meetings. In the midst of all of this though, it’s important we take a deep breath and consider something. What type of person am I helping my child to become? What specifically can I help them work on this school year that will help them get there? Got an idea—what about helping them become a good friend!

As a parent, we hope that the examples we set in how to treat people will stick. But sometimes there will be situations your kids will be faced with that we simply didn’t face as kids. It’s not all bleak, but we’d also don’t want to have our heads in the sand when it comes to social trends.

Inclusion is a word we hear a lot nowadays but what does it mean? What does it mean for a family who cares about character and what should it mean for their kids?

While we could digress into a soapbox rant of moral high-ground and what we should or should not endorse, I want to make a point that we can support and encourage our kids to set good personal examples while accepting other people wherever they are on their journey, too.

Does it mean we agree with everyone? Of course not. You’d be hard-pressed to walk into any church in America and find everyone in agreement there, so how much harder is it in a school setting where so many kids come from different backgrounds.

What about acceptance? We hear this word thrown around a lot as well. In my view, acceptance means we do our best to treat everyone with kindness and respect. This world can be a dark and evil place, but as the Bible says, those who choose to live differently, become the “salt and light of the world.” Sometimes our kids will go into some dark places, whether that’s on the school bus or on the playground, on social media, or at the mall, so as parents we need to prepare our kids so that they will know how to respond when that time comes.

It might be situations like helping a friend keep their distance when something doesn’t seem right; encouraging them to speak up and ask for help in their time of need, or standing up and speaking the truth when a friend is considering engaging in unkind behavior.

This school year, I would encourage you to keep your communication lines open as much as possible. Your kids need to see you as approachable and interested in what they have to say. In time, let the right conversations happen so you can support your kids when they need it the most.

If you like what you are reading, please let me know. I really hope it is making a difference. And if you are enjoying our posts here at Centurion’s Watch, the best way to say thank you is by sharing this post with your friends! We love to grow our community.

Your Virtual Life Mentor,

Doug