Heartland Focus
November 19, 2009
In recent weeks, we have been exploring how your family, and children especially, can make the most of the holiday season that is upon us.
I suggested that you and your children use the opportunity of a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even New Years, to deliberately seek out ministry opportunities and Christian witness toward family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
November 12, 2009
Last week, I began a series of Heartland Focus broadcasts examining the holiday season from a child’s point of view. I shared with you the thought that holidays can be a welcome break from routine, a time to celebrate family traditions, and also a unique opportunity for Christian witness. I suggested that holidays provide a unique “teachable moments” for children as to what is important and what is not, especially as they reflect our Christian heritage. I suggested that holidays provide unique opportunities for Godly witness in our community and within our extended families.
November 5, 2009
This month marks the beginning of holiday season for many families. Thanksgiving happens to be my personal favorite, and preparation for Christmas here in the northland can also be very exciting. I know that Mrs. Roach and I are hoping to have family visit for Thanksgiving dinner, and I always look forward to hearing Christmas carols on the radio. For children, holidays present some unique challenges and opportunities. For the next several weeks, I will be sharing with you some tips on helping your family get the most out of this holiday season.
October 29, 2009
This week, many families will take time to celebrate Halloween. I use the term celebrate loosely. In the majority of households it is simply a great excuse to get high on sugar, with a little partying and fear thrown in for good measure.
October 22, 2009
Today we conclude the October series on helping children cope with change in a positive way. I have suggested that there are things that parents can do to help alleviate the fear and anxiety that children frequently experience when changes occur.
October 16, 2009
In recent weeks, I have been sharing with you about children going through change, and how you as a Christian parent can help with that process. I have suggested that children often feel helpless in the midst of changes that we as adults may be able to handle. As Christian parents, we must be especially sensitive to the assistance of the Holy Spirit through the gift of intercessory prayer as we see our children struggling to adjust with what they perceive as world-shattering changes. We must be quick to pray both for and with our children.
October 8, 2009
Last week I introduced the subject of children coping with change. I shared that children are very vulnerable to the effects of change, and may react in ways that adults do not expect. Even what we as grown-ups may view as a positive change with good, long-term results may be viewed through the short-term lens of a child’s eyes as a disaster. The most common situations that I see as a school principal is change resulting from a change in the child’s educational format: moving from homeschooling or public schooling to a Christian educational setting, for example.
October 1, 2009
This month is a time for change: October can start out almost summer-like, and finish with killing frosts and a hint of future winter weather. Change is a part of being alive, and all of us confront change on a daily basis. Some changes in our life bring blessing and new opportunity for service and enjoyment of life. Other changes can mean real tests of our patience and character, as well as our dependence on Almighty God. Adults have usually learned how to handle change in constructive ways. How about children?
September 24, 2009
How has your child’s first month back at school gone? If they are coming home happy and the contacts you have had with the teachers have been positive, then rejoice. It isn’t easy for children to switch from summertime “vacation mode” to the work of the classroom.
In recent weeks, I have focused on some of the physical challenges and needs, especially adequate breakfast nutrition and bedtimes that allow for sufficient rest. I also recommended teaching strong organizational and listening skills that will go a long way toward helping your son or daughter be a success in the classroom.
September 17, 2009
As principal of Heartland Christian Academy, it is my sincere hope that your child’s first weeks back in the school classroom have been a successful experience. I have been sharing some of the challenges and transitions that children face when they switch from summertime “vacation mode” to the more structured and challenging environment of the classroom.
