Building A Legacy Of Faith In Your ChildrenSample

First Grade Rite of Passage

Ceremony: Presentation of Blessing Box

Symbol: Blessing Box and letters

The first grade Rite of Passage Experience centers on a special item called the Blessing Box. It is literally a box filled with letters from important people in your child’s life. Don’t get caught up in the actual box—it can be a shoe box covered in wrapping paper, a decorated plastic box, or a specially purchased treasure box. We’ve even known some parents who have turned the box into a major art project they worked on with their child. Regardless, the box itself is only significant because of what it contains.

To prepare the contents of your child’s Blessing Box, choose a person who represents each area of responsibility (school, family, church, and friendship). It can be a teacher, sibling, grandparent, and pastor, for example. Ask each person to write a letter to your child, specifically outlining how he or she has seen your child being responsible and encouraging her to continue on that path. Write a letter to your child as well, and include specific examples of responsible actions. Please understand, this is not a time to correct your child or to spur improvement in certain areas. The goal is to put wind in your child’s sails, not take it out and steer her off course.

Once you have collected the letters from everyone participating in this rite of passage, place the letters inside the Blessing Box and designate a special time to present it to her.

When you are ready to present the Blessing Box, set aside a time when there won’t be other distractions. Read the letters with her. Remind her of the areas she has shown responsibility, emphasize how proud you are of her choices, and congratulate her on becoming a big kid. Stay focused on the areas in which she is responsible, and resist the temptation to mention any areas where she is struggling to be responsible. That is a conversation for another time. Make sure to pray with her, and ask God to help her continue to be responsible as she grows up by choosing to do what is right.

Keep in mind that children in first grade take huge steps in their levels of responsibility. For some children, it can be challenging and even overwhelming.

Over the course of the year, you will probably witness some meltdowns and feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. However, remember that each challenging moment is an opportunity to infuse faith in your child’s life. Continue to point her toward God and His Word, shower her with encouragement, remind her to read her Blessing Box letters, and cover her with prayer. First grade is a fun year—make the most of it as you continue this amazing journey to pass on faith.

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