The school year brings specific challenges that kids might sometimes have trouble with. Maybe you can remember back to your own youth – what helped you get through tough school days and stressful exams? More importantly, how will you calm your own child’s nerves? How will you reassure them if they worry about doing poorly?

In our house we have a philosophy that is simply, “Do your best, then let God do the rest!” This doesn’t mean sit back and pray for a miracle, though! My kids know that we expect them to do their part. My oldest attends a brick and mortar school, so we expect him to be physically AND mentally present during class, take good notes, ask questions if he isn’t understanding the subject matter, do his homework and study for his exams. It’s his job to learn what he’s being taught. This is our expectation. It is not an expectation of perfection, but rather an expectation that he will do his best.

I have witnessed many kids who are so anxious about achieving perfection in their school work that they have to be medicated just to get through the school year. It bothers me greatly that the world has placed the expectation of perfection on our kids. Having home schooled both my kids, and still home schooling my youngest, we have a different perspective about the big picture of school. For us it’s more important to give our children a true desire for knowledge, but within that desire we hope to teach them that there is great joy that comes from learning, and a peace that comes from not expecting perfection in all subjects. God has an individual purpose for each of us and has wired us all a little differently as to achieve that purpose.

God doesn’t want any of His children to stress out about anything! He will provide for all of our needs and it’s up to us to reinforce that comforting truth to our kids, especially during times when they are going through stress.

Here are some wonderful Bible verses that may help you as you pray over your kids during hard times at school, when stress and worry may run a bit higher than normal. Great reminders for all of us to trust God in all ways and at all times.

(Luke 12:25-26) “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”

(John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

(2 Corinthians) 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

(James 1:5-6) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

Lisa Strnad is an independent contractor in Christian media as a writer, marketing consultant, and public relations specialist. She speaks to Christian women’s groups on the issues of motherhood, home schooling and raising a child with special needs. Lisa and her family make their home in Nashville.