08/28/2026
🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES
❤️ Lessons from My Mama
💬 MAMA'S REMINDER
“Sometimes They Just Need You to Listen”
Getting our children ready for school is important.
We make sure they have their clothes.
Their backpacks.
Their lunches.
Their homework.
Their bedtime routines.
But there's something else we need to make sure we give them every day:
❤️ Knowing that they can come home and talk to us.
School can bring so many different emotions.
Some children are excited.
Some may be nervous.
Some may be struggling to make friends.
Some may be dealing with things they don't know how to explain.
And sometimes, they may not say anything at all.
That's why I believe it's important to make time to check in with our children.
Not just:
“How was school?”
Because sometimes the answer will always be:
“Fine.” 😂
Instead, try asking:
❤️ What was the best part of your day?
❤️ Was anything difficult today?
❤️ Did anything make you laugh?
❤️ Did anything make you sad?
❤️ Is there anything you're worried about?
❤️ Is there anything you want me to help you with?
And sometimes...
Don't ask anything.
Just sit with them.
Have a snack together.
Take a walk.
Ride in the car.
Watch a movie.
Eat dinner together.
Let them know that home is a safe place to talk.
🌿 SOMETHING MAMA TAUGHT ME
Mama always wanted to know what was going on with us.
She wanted to know how our day went.
And if something wasn't right, Mama wanted to know about that, too.
I remember one summer when I was participating in a program while I was in school.
One day, I was assigned to clean a bathroom, and there was some really nasty, gross stuff that someone had left behind.
Now, let me make something clear—I wasn't too good to work. Mama taught us to work.
But Mama also knew the difference between teaching your child responsibility and putting them in a situation that wasn't right for them.
She called the woman over the program and basically told her:
“My daughter isn't supposed to be doing this. We need to find something different for her.”
😂❤️
That's Mama.
She wanted to know what was going on with her children because she wanted to make sure we were okay.
She wasn't afraid to speak up for us.
And looking back, I realize that was another form of love.
Mama taught me that being a parent means paying attention.
Sometimes your child will tell you something is wrong.
Sometimes you have to notice it yourself.
And sometimes loving your child means having the courage to speak up for them.
❤️ MAMA'S LESSON
Being there for your children isn't always about having the right words.
Sometimes it's simply being present.
Put the phone down.
Look them in the eyes.
Listen to their little stories.
Listen to their big worries.
Because one day, those little conversations may become the memories they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
🌿 AND DON'T FORGET...
If your child is struggling more than you know how to handle, it's okay to ask for help.
Talk with their teacher, school counselor, pediatrician, pastor, or another trusted professional.
Asking for help doesn't mean you've failed as a parent.
It means you love your child enough to get them the support they need.
🙏🏽 A LITTLE PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN
Lord, watch over our children as they go to school each day.
Protect their minds, their hearts, and their spirits.
Give them good friends and caring teachers.
Help them make wise choices and give them courage when they face difficult situations.
And help us as parents to listen when they talk and notice when something isn't quite right.
Give us wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to seek help.
Cover every child who is carrying something they haven't told anyone about yet.
Let them know they are loved.
In Jesus' name,
Amen. ❤️
🌿 MAMA'S REMINDER
“Sometimes they don't need you to fix it.
They just need to know you're there.”
❤️ I'd love to hear from you...
What is one question you like to ask your children or grandchildren that gets them talking?
Let's share our ideas and help one another. 🌿❤️
And remember...
We're not just sharing advice around here.
We're collecting Mama's memories. ❤️