# Navigating Back to School Stress Together and practical tools for families facing the school year ahead.

As the new school year begins, many families find themselves adjusting to new schedules, commitments, and routines. This episode of Growing Disciples is all about recognizing the challenges that come with this transition, particularly the stress and anxiety that can surface for both parents and children.

Elizabeth Lynberg, the host, and Amanda Kendrick, a beloved member of the Chatham Community Church community, dive into the importance of viewing everyday moments as opportunities to guide loved ones towards faith and resilience. 

Amanda Kendrick serves as a Deacon at Chatham Community Church and has a background in Child Development.

Back to school time can be overwhelming, with fears about new teachers, classmates, and academic pressures. Both parents and children often feel the weight of expectations, from academic performance to extracurricular commitments.

To address these challenges, Elizabeth and Amanda share insights from a recent workshop designed for parents and teens. They introduce practical tools to foster communication and understanding within families. 

Role Reversal Questions

Teen answers as Parent and Parent answers as the Teen:

1. What stresses you most about school right now?
2. What do you wish I understood about your school year?
3. What part of the school day feels the hardest?
4. What’s something I do that accidentally adds stress?
5. What’s one way we could communicate better this year?
6. What’s one thing you think I overreact to?
7. What’s one thing you wish I’d stop saying?
8. What’s one thing you wish I’d say more often?

What I Need From You 

• “When I’m stressed, I need ___________________” 
• “One thing that helps me feel supported is___________________” 

The Healthy Mind Platter created by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. David Rock. This model suggests that just as we need a balanced diet for our bodies, a healthy mind requires various experiences to function well.

As families embark on this new school year, remember that you are not alone in navigating the challenges. By implementing these tools and fostering open communication, you can support one another through the ups and downs of the school year. 

Passages for Anxiety and Worry

John 14:27

1 Peter 5:7

Philippians 4:6-7

Isaiah 41:10

2 Timothy 1:7

In this episode, Elizabeth Lynberg interviews Cynthia Dekaney, the Director of Chatham Kids, about her faith journey, her role in children's ministry, and exciting plans for the upcoming year. They explore how faith is nurtured in children and the importance of community and trust in ministry.

This first episode introduces the new Chatham Families podcast, a ministry of Chatham Community Church, and explains why it was created: to help families turn ordinary, even messy, moments into opportunities to point kids to Jesus. Elizabeth Lynberg shares the heart behind the show, while Alex Kirk guides the conversation and helps listeners understand what to expect from future episodes.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcome to Growing Disciples and the mission of faith at home 

00:55 - Introductions: Elizabeth Lynberg and Alex Kirk

02:18 - Why launch a podcast for families 

03:46 - Elizabeth's faith story and the women who discipled her 

05:13 - Acts 14 and the goal to strengthen and encourage listeners 

05:40 - Who the podcast is for: parents, grandparents, and invested adults 

06:09 - What future episodes will cover 

07:37 - Connecting podcast episodes to Chatham Kids and Mosaic Student Ministries

08:05 - How the parent devotional helps families talk about faith all week 

09:29 - Why conversations at home matter for kids and adults 

09:57 - Like, subscribe, share, and send topic requests 

10:24 - Contacting the team with ideas and questions 

10:52 - Closing blessing and final encouragement

Chatham Community Church

Email us: Families (at) Chathamchurch (dot) org 

Chatham Kids Parent Devotional for September 2026