Patriot Moms

Submitted By Kristi Crafton, Patriot Mom and Teacher

Okay, everyone, 1…2…3… BREATHE. It is going to be okay! I realized this morning that I have been through Parent Orientation of EVERY grade up to the 8th. This will be our 6th year at Providence. We were in the picture of the 39 students of year one. This year I led an orientation as a teacher as well!

I am so excited. It is amazing to see what God has done with Providence. It has been a real blessing in our lives. I have watched my children grow in character and strengthen their academic muscles.

Many of you are feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I promise that we “seasoned” parents have felt the same way and still feel it! What I know is that it is going to be okay. The administration and teachers have always been gracious and helpful. They want to make your school year successful. Here are some things to encourage you as we embark on the journey of a new year together.

Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! If you have ANY question, ask it. If you have 20 questions, ask them all! Use your email and phone to get answers. We seasoned moms have always called each other to check on a difficult or confusing problem listed on the assignment sheet. If you have a mentor mom, call her. Any seasoned mom will happily answer your questions. She understands, she has been there and has probably asked the same questions. If you do not have a mentor mom, email Cindy Palen at cpalen@providence-academy.com.

Your teachers will give you grace as you learn to grade and instruct your student. One year, 2 of my children had most of the same teachers, but the subjects were all different. On the first parent teacher conference, I frantically flew in after leaving a couple of screaming preschoolers. After a few minutes I looked at the teacher and asked, “Now which child are we talking about?” I felt really embarrassed, but she gave me grace and encouraged me over the next couple of years while I got my act together!

You will find opportunities to return grace to the teachers. We all need it. One year a teacher assigned us to read Chapter 1 in science on the first Wednesday. Of course we moms were all wailing and gnashing our teeth that day! It was just a typo. It should have read Chapter 1.a.
Get plugged in. Support from other parents will help you succeed. The Mothers of Providence group will help build relationships. If you find it difficult to make it to the meetings, reach out to another mother in your class. If you ever feel isolated or overwhelmed, tell someone. It will only be met with a compassionate answer.

Trust in God! We all have a personal story on how God brought us to Providence. Is He faithful? Yes! Remember your story. He has a plan for you. You have prayed and asked God to direct you. He knows your desire to do your best for your child. He knows if you feel overwhelmed. He brought you here for a reason. Bring your hopes, desires, and stress to him. You know He is faithful. Above all, rely on Him.

Phillipians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.