Establishing Healthy Habits In Childhood

Dear Parents and Carers

With the school year now in full swing for 2020, we can often start focussing on the routines that are needed to keep the family running through each week. Over the past few days, I had the pleasure of interviewing parents of Kindy children who are looking to enter Prep here next year. All of these interviews were amazing, as I had the opportunity to meet with families, some for the first time and others who are part of the Hillcrest community already. A recurring discussion point was around each child’s readiness for school and how they would cope with the demands of a 5-day-a-week program in Prep.

As I reflected on these wonderful interviews, I most vividly recalled meeting with one amazing mum who has a number of children, some already at Hillcrest, some still to come. Her relaxed and considered approach to parenting, despite the many demands of her family, was incredibly refreshing. She and her husband understand that the development of the whole child is of critical importance and they are seeking to build success into each of their children, knowing that success for each child looks very different. However, one thing remained central in their lives and that was that their children had to keep up with their bible studies.

God speaks of this in Proverbs 22:6 -

This can often be overlooked, but what we encourage our children to do on a daily basis, will make a great difference to them later in life. The habits and behaviours that are developed in your daily routines with your family do make a difference for the years ahead and as you establish these routines, I ask that you consider the importance of developing biblical lessons into your routine. Make the time to read and reflect on the bible together, pray regularly, show care for others, and practice the attributes taught in the bible, and all these things will hold your children in good stead as they grow into young men and women.

Blessings,

Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College