Why Kindergarten Blessings Matter?
When I was sending my oldest to Kindergarten I was looking everywhere for encouragement and assurance. Did we do enough? Have we taught her to be kind? Will she remember to wash her hands? Does she have enough Truth in her heart to tell the difference between right and wrong? I had so many questions swirling in my head and I quickly realized that the church and kids ministries everywhere were missing a major milestone. Enter Kindergarten Blessing.
It’s important to remember that when kids enter school (public, private, or homeschool) rhythms change and so discipleship must change. In our 7-part Creating Milestones that Matter Course, we dive much deeper into this conversation, but for this I want to share a brief overview, gift ideas, and our favorite resource, car line prayers.
What is a Kindergarten Blessing?
It is a time for families to be encouraged, equipped, and sent. Parents just made it through one of the most physically exhausting seasons and the emotions are high. Some parents are jumping for joy about their child starting full-day school and other parents could not imagine their day without their little mini me (both are fair). As ministry leaders, we sit in the tension of all of those emotions and remind our parents of Gospel Truth. These kids are a gift and raising them to be disciples of Jesus is the greatest honor. School is just one step a part of raising kids. During a Kindergarten Blessing you can celebrate alongside parents, praise God for His continued faithfulness, equip them for a new season, and sent them out with purpose.
Does this have to be an event?
It can be anything you want it to be. An event, a lunch, an after school open house, a breakfast. Whatever fits for your families is what is best.
Should I give them a gift?
Great question! Here are my favorite resources to give families throughout the Kindergarten Blessing. The key with resources is that we want it to be something for the entire family to do together. Kinders are quite ready for devotional books or reading on their own, but they can do spiritual disciplines alongside their parents. Don’t forget the fun element of the car line prayers. Equip the parents & equip the family.
Parables of Jesus by Lithos Kids
Discovering the Bible by Mary Wiley
The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thorton
The Bible Recap for Kids by Tara-Leigh Cobble
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook by N.T. Wright
**Not listed is a backpack tag with the kids ministry logo. I think those are SO cute and a good way for kids to see if any of their new school friends go to your church.