Free Chalkboard Printable for a Christ-Centered Back to School

{Warning: this post is not about sewing, and the content is very personal. 99% of my posts are about sewing though, so come back tomorrow for some stitch-love. Today I just want to share with you something that I created for my family to help us start the school year off with the right focus.}

My kids start school tomorrow, eeek! But I think we’re ready. We pulled a WAGON of school supplies to registration last week (only the required items for 4 kids… sheesh)!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. A few hours before that picture was taken, my kids had terrible attitudes, especially the boys. 🙂

I kept hearing things like:

‘I hate school!’ 

‘Why do we have to go back?’

‘You are so mean!’

So then I had the brilliant idea to put Chloe to work making this little poster – with the attitude I wanted them to have. Hey, fake it ’til you feel it, right? I cheerfully gave her my secret markers (that I hide in my sewing room so the kids won’t ruin them) and believe it or not, making the sign changed her attitude.

We posted the sign on the back of our wagon (there was no other way to get our supplies around to the classrooms) and the teachers LOVED it. Their enthusiasm helped diffuse my boys’ negativity and we laughed our way though registration.

That little sign had such a big impact on our day that I started to wonder if another sign might help us too. To tell you the truth, sending my kids back to school makes me a little apprehensive too, but not for the same reasons. We’ve experienced both good and bad in public school: friendships and bullying, A’s and F’s (yup), good lessons and ones I wish my kids never had to learn.

Homeschooling is not an option for us right now, and that’s okay. But since I have to send my little ones into an environment that I cannot control, they must be leaders. They must know who they are, how they are expected to act (in all situations), and have the confidence to question the decisions of others instead of following blindly.

So I made this sign and got it printed at the FedEx store. I don’t know if it coincides with your beliefs or not. Or if you feel the same sentiments… but if you do I’m happy to offer the .jpg file to anyone who wants it.

{click here to download the Christ-Centered Back to School Printable}

Wherever you are, whatever you believe, I hope you have a happy back-to-school week and your kids (or grandkids) make you proud.

xoxo,

{Update}

Wow! I am so grateful for all of your comments. There are far too many for me to answer them individually, so here is my one big answer: I am thrilled beyond words to find that we have more in common than sewing and quilting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. Now, more than ever, I truly love my readers. <3

Have a wonderful day!