A few years back there was a very funny commercial highlighting back-to-school attitudes. It showed a mom or dad skipping through the store dropping school supplies into a cart. The children, with very sad faces, were slowly dragging their heels behind the parent!

The advent of school features all manner of reactions. And as the first few days confront families across the country, there is an opportunity to set the atmosphere for the entire year.

Either those morning minutes (from the awakening process through the car loading dramas) are going to be sweet and encouraging, setting a tone for each successive day or they are going to scar the process and make it tough on everyone.

The key might be the character quality of KINDNESS.

A while back I was visiting a friend’s home and noticed a prominent sign displayed in her kitchen. It read, “Kindness Spoken Here.” What a great attitude for everyone in the family. It sets the standard for all the relationships in that home.

Instead of tears and frustration filling the kitchen every morning, how about we spend a few extra minutes every evening prepping for that next meal. Let’s decide what we are going to have for breakfast and make sure we have all the ingredients set out and ready to go. Let’s lay out the pan or pitcher or plates and utensils (great chore for one of the children).

Let’s train the kids to have their shoes and backpacks sitting by the back door before they head up for bed. Maybe dad could initiate a checkoff list to make sure all homework is neatly nestled in that backpack.

If your kids wear a uniform to school, the dressing thing is much easier, but you still could lay out socks that match the color of the blouse or shirt. Mom could make sure everything is clean and ready to go.

If both mom and dad work outside the home, consider using your drive time as an opportunity to cover each child in specific prayer. If you work from home, before you sit down at your desk, visit each child’s bedroom and pray for them. Let them know you will be doing it every day. Ask them what you can be praying for.

This kind of KINDNESS reflects the truth found in I Cor. 13 where Paul emphasizes that “Love is patient, love is kind…” And that kind of attitude can permeate a home and set the standard and energy level for everyone.

…Even the first week of school!