The days are growing shorter. The weather is growing colder. Time previously spent out and about is now becoming more and more time spent indoors. It is not surprising then that so many students become discouraged during this time - the gloomy weather turning into a gloomy mood.
Thankfully, being the resourceful parent/guardian that you are, you’re prepared for this possibility, and you’ve come seeking help on how to give your student the best possible chance for combatting the ‘Winter Blues!’
Here’s how we recommend helping your student to stay positive about school during winter.
Even though it is not quite Christmas, many are already looking forward to the new year. Sadly, for several, part of the attraction of the new year is that it means that this one is over!
This year has been a year filled with challenges for almost every student in America. With the constant concerns swirling about regarding COVID-19, vaccinations, in-person learning, as well as the common day-to-day pressures of being a student in general, it is no wonder that many students are struggling to look forward with hope.
Yet, hope is on the horizon. As, God willing, times begin to improve, it is the perfect time for students to work on improving themselves as well. Rather than adopting the same dour attitude as many around us, let us and our students instead take on an attitude of excitement for the opportunity that the new year represents.
As we draw closer to the Christmas season, it will become easier and easier to get swept up in the commercialism which has become so closely associated with the event. Instead of thinking about the incarnation of Christ, the most powerful being in all of existence, lowering Himself to the form of a helpless baby, we instead think of costly presents and holiday movies.
As parents, it is up to us to be the counter-influence in our children’s lives. When everyone else is focusing on what new gaming system they want, it is up to us to remind our children of the true meaning of Christmas: Christ Jesus.
How can we go about doing this?
When we picture holiday breaks, it’s easy to picture the idealistic vision of a welcoming, happy family gathering together in love and fellowship. Sadly, this picture does not encapsulate every family in America, and there are many children who view holiday breaks as a time of difficulty and stress.
In this week’s article, we at Emmanuel Lutheran School, a private Christian school in Asheville, NC, would like to offer a glimpse into both what can make holiday breaks difficult for students, as well as what we can do to make it better.