How Can Children Be a Light at School? Here's How!

School shapes children’s lives. Almost most of their time - 6-8 hours - is spent in that place. They interact a great deal, both with friends as well as with teachers. They also receive academic lessons and life experience. It is at school that a child will grow and be formed toward adulthood.

Of course we will be proud when a child achieves, behaves well, and studies diligently at school. However, all of that is determined by their character at home. That is why this is where the important role of parents to educate their children.

Children’s Challenges at School

As believers, we believe we need to live in the light. That is, showing the character and love of Christ to others. If we live like that, surely our children will follow, won’t they?

The problem is, it takes effort and commitment for children to live in the light as well. Parents and children must be able to work together. 

Usually there are two challenges that often occur. 

The first is the challenge of discipline. For example, in matters of school start times, submitting assignments, and obeying the rules that apply. 

Coming to class on time is one important discipline. In this way, children will get used to managing time, so they know when to sleep and wake up. Being accustomed to coming to class on time will also teach children to value time.

Submitting school assignments also needs serious attention. So that children do their work and submit it as they should, parents need to motivate their children to do it regularly.

Then there is also the issue of obeying rules. How children behave politely and properly toward friends and toward teachers. This issue usually becomes visible when children enter their teenage years.

The second challenge is academic issues or intelligence. It needs to be realized that children’s talents differ. Some are good at mathematics, some are good at sports. Some are gifted in the arts, some are gifted in science. Knowing a child’s talents is the same as preparing for their future.

Besides that, it is important for children to know the right way to study. This is so they can understand the material well and be able to form effective study habits. If a child gets good grades, of course it will make us proud as parents.

These are the challenges we need to face so that children become a light at school. As the authority within the family, we need to help children so they can get through both of them.

Steps to Shape Children

There are several ways to build children into a light at school. 

Recognize a Child’s Intelligence 

According to Howard Gardner, an education figure and psychologist, human intelligence is not measured only by academic grades. Human beings have multiple intelligences, namely logical intelligence (intelligence quotient, IQ), and emotional (emotional quotient, EQ). There are also nine human intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, kinesthetic, spatial, musical, moral, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence.

Why is recognizing a child’s intelligence so important? Because it greatly helps us recognize the areas where a child excels. We can also choose the right school and major for our child. Do not be discouraged if a child’s grades in one area are not very good. They have other areas that can be developed. 

It should be remembered that God gives strengths, talents and unique intelligence to each person. Just as He gave them to Oholiab, a craftsman, and also to other skilled people, to support the building of God’s sanctuary.

Exodus 31 : 6a : Also I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have given skill.

Every child has abilities and advantages that are special. You can help your child discover those gifts and develop them.

Instilling the Importance of Discipline in Children

Proverbs 13:24 says, Whoever does not use the rod hates his child, but whoever loves his child disciplines him in due time. 

The proverb does not teach bluntly that parents should strike their children. Rather, the verse carries the meaning that the teaching of discipline for children is very important. 

So that children continue to be a light, it is our task to instill discipline in them. They need to know when to sleep and when to wake up. To know when to do and submit assignments. To understand when it is time to study and when to play. This is where the role of parents is, to apply wise discipline.

Practically speaking, you can set your child’s playtime and study time, when the child sleeps and wakes up, and make sure all assignments have been completed.

Parents Become Examples at Home

Another important thing to pay attention to is the example we give to children. Children will see whether we have first become an example for them. If not, they will find it difficult to accept advice.

Children need to see that their parents are also striving to be a light. The quality of our relationship and marriage becomes their concern. Just imagine, how can children be inspired to be a light if they see that our marriage is not edifying? 

Ephesians 5: 22, 25 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ has loved the church and gave Himself for her 

When children see you love your spouse , children will feel secure and mentally stable. This will help children to achieve even more at school. 

Besides marriage, children also see your integrity in fulfilling your role as a parent. As the head of the family, you need to show diligence in working and full responsibility toward the family. As a mother, children need to see their mother’s servant-heartedness, love, and wisdom. 

When you become an example, children will certainly find it easier to follow your advice.

Light at Home, Light at School

What parent would not be proud if their child becomes a light at school? Not only to their parents, but also to the child personally.

They will be trained from an early age in responsibility, discipline, honesty, and ethics. These are the things they will continue to carry into adulthood.

What is more, we as parents will feel happy. Because through the results of our upbringing, children begin to step into the future well. Does this not also please the Father’s heart?

Reference : 9 kinds of human intelligence : https://edukasi.kompas.com>read https://edukasi.kompas.com>read -  Related Articles:

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