Dear Kids and Teens,
As you step into this new year, no matter your age, we want to remind you that we love you no matter how this year unfolds. You see our love for you is not based on your performance, on the outcome of your tests, or where you rank in your class. Our love for you is founded on seeing you as the unique person God made you to be and our hope is to encourage you this year to grow more and more into that person, as you refine your gifts and skills.
Please know we don’t expect you to be great at every subject and activity because that would be unrealistic of us. We are not great at everything ourselves so why would we expect that of you? The idea of being perfect is crippling so let’s promise to be two imperfect people who will make a commitment to do our best this year; you in school and me walking beside you through whatever happens. And when we fall short, which will happen for both of us, may we practice forgiveness and try again.
Also, just in case you forgot or don’t know yet, there are different types of smarts; some of us are more intellectually smart, others more kinethestically smart, others are more people smart, etc. We ask that you continue refine the areas that you’re naturally smart at and do your best in the areas that challenge you. And when you are challenged, please be willing to ask for help. Being able to do this is a strength, not a weakness. And know I will do the same. Let’s both commit to show up every day and give our best, support others around us to help them do their best, and have fun along the way as we do this. We know some days “your best” will look different, as does ours. May we take time to learn from the hard days, celebrate the good ones and remember we are all works in progress.
Please let us know how we can support you this year. Also, know when we support your teacher, it doesn’t mean we don’t support you. We are a team working together to help you learn and grow.
And always remember, you are loved for who you are, not for what you achieve. You are not a number but a child of God who was made with a purpose. Stay close to God, keep practicing the gifts and skills he’s given you, be willing to be refined where you are challenged and walk with your head up, knowing you are seen, heard and loved and God has plans for you this year, and beyond.
I love you and believe in you. May you go into this year loving and believing in yourself too.
With love and hope,
Your parent