As the school year begins, we’re diving into the hopes, pressures, and rhythms of this season. We start with the myth of “you only get 18 summers,” a phrase that can put unnecessary pressure on parents. Instead of viewing time with our kids through a lens of scarcity, Scripture reminds us that God’s kingdom is one of abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8).

We also explore the power of words in shaping our children’s sense of identity. Casual comments like “I can’t wait for my kids to go back to school” may seem harmless, but they can unintentionally communicate feelings of shame, insecurity, or being unwanted. Proverbs 12:18 reminds us that words carry weight — they can wound or they can heal. Instead of viewing the school year as an escape from our kids, we can reframe it as a hopeful new season and an opportunity to speak life over them.

From there, we turn to routines — how to set clear expectations, build in patience, and ease our families back into structure. Jesus Himself modeled rhythms that were not rigid but rooted, often withdrawing to pray in lonely places (Luke 5:16). As parents, we can create steady but flexible rhythms with tools like chore charts, gentle reminders, and spiritual practices at the center.

Finally, we talk about the trap of comparison. Looking at how others parent or how other kids are doing can rob us of joy and presence, yet Galatians 6:4 calls us to focus on our own race with gratitude and faithfulness. This episode is an invitation to step into the school year without fear, but with hope — speaking life, embracing rooted rhythms, and staying present to the abundance God has placed right in front of us.