As you blessed parents or grandparents begin to prepare your children to go back to school, I am almost jealous, as I really enjoyed this whole process. But then, I really enjoyed my children (still do).

I always buy a box of Ticonderoga, yellow, #2 pencils and put them on my desk in the fall and will miss shopping for school items as my children are grown and gone.

Have it be part of the “going- back-to-school” fun, not a problem or scary time for them. Pray for them, their school and teachers for a great year!

See, I don’t think they need to be in on “grown-up” conversations or arguments about challenges of the money involved  for transportation, immunizations,  limitations or supplies needed for the whole year, and on and on. You can concentrate on new clothes, shoes, backpacks, hair-bows to match, things like that.

There are churches, grandparents and other groups that will help with the back-packs and contents. Check that out in your community with your school or church.

If you are without children or have lots of money, check with your local school and see if there is a family you could help with these needs.

Learning for children (and everyone) is so important and could start or continue in your home with reading material, during the summer or rainy days, whether it’s the Bible with pictures in it, comic books (friendly ones), or cartoons in the paper.

I always sent my kids the “Highlights” magazine, and, of course, take them to the library, where you can get 10 books at a time, for free, and fun crafts and groups with regular visits. How wonderful is that?

Get a library card in your area for a fun experience and children will feel important to have a card with their name on it. I think reading well affects all their subjects and chalkboard assignments in the classroom. Encourage them to read the kids menu at a restaurant, or the sign on a public bathroom and other doors and buildings. You will see how important it is to read well and for entertainment and direction all their lives.

I just ordered Kids National Geographic Magazine for a gift for my great grandchildren. They have been on computers and with books since they could sit up as babies and I know they’ll love the animals and science material included in these magazines for a year.

So have fun with “back to school” and be positive about their subjects.

Kathie Deasy writes about faith for The Port Arthur News.