The beginning of a new school year is filled with excitement—but it can also bring anxiety, uncertainty, and new challenges. Whether your grandchild is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, heading off to college, or being homeschooled, your encouragement can make a lasting difference.

As grandparents, we have a unique opportunity to remind the next generation that they are deeply loved—not only by us, but by God.

Here are ten simple ways you can encourage your grandchildren this school year.

1. Pray for Them Every Day

One of the greatest gifts you can give your grandchildren is your prayers.

Pray for their safety, friendships, teachers, wisdom, courage, and faith. Ask God to help them make good decisions and to shine His light wherever they go.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." — James 5:16

2. Send an Encouraging Note

A handwritten note tucked into a backpack, lunchbox, or mailed to a college dorm can brighten an entire day.

Keep it simple:

• I'm praying for you today.

• God has wonderful plans for your life.

• I'm proud of you.

• Remember that Jesus loves you.

Years from now, they may still remember those words.

3. Remind Them They Are Never Alone

School can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Whether they're facing tests, peer pressure, or uncertainty, remind them that God promises to be with them wherever they go.

"Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

Knowing they are never alone gives children confidence that no classroom or challenge is too big for God.

4. Celebrate Small Victories

Not every success comes with a trophy.

Celebrate:

• A good test grade

• Showing kindness

• Helping another student

• Trying something new

• Standing up for what's right

Encouragement builds confidence far more than criticism.

5. Listen More Than You Talk

Sometimes your grandchild doesn't need advice—they simply need someone who listens.

Ask questions like:

• What was the best part of your day?

• What made you smile today?

• Was anything difficult today?

• How can I pray for you this week?

Being available is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

6. Remind Them Their Identity Is Found in Christ

Today's students face enormous pressure to fit in.

Help your grandchildren remember that their value doesn't come from grades, popularity, sports, or social media.

Their true identity is found in Jesus Christ.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." — Ephesians 2:10

7. Surprise Them With a Small Gift

A thoughtful surprise says, "I was thinking about you."

It doesn't have to be expensive.

A favorite snack, bookmark, devotional, Christian bracelet, or a Pennies from Heaven Cross Penny tucked into a backpack can become a meaningful reminder of God's love throughout the school day.

Many grandparents include a short note that says:

"Whenever you see this Cross Penny, remember that God is always with you—and Grandma and Grandpa are praying for you."

Sometimes the smallest gifts carry the biggest encouragement.

8. Encourage Kindness

Challenge your grandchildren to look for someone who feels left out.

A smile.

An invitation to sit together at lunch.

A kind word.

Holding a door.

These simple acts reflect the love of Christ.

"Let your light shine before others." — Matthew 5:16

9. Cheer Them On Through Every Season

Not every semester will be easy.

There will be disappointments, difficult classes, and moments when they feel discouraged.

Remind them that failure isn't final.

God often grows our character through challenges.

Keep reminding them:

"I'm proud of you for not giving up."

Those words carry tremendous power.

10. Keep Pointing Them to Jesus

The greatest inheritance we can leave our grandchildren isn't money.

It's faith.

Talk about answered prayers.

Read Scripture together.

Share what God has done in your own life.

Tell them how Jesus has carried you through difficult seasons.

Your testimony may become one of the greatest influences in their spiritual journey.

A Small Reminder Can Make a Big Difference

As another school year begins, remember that encouragement doesn't have to be complicated.

A prayer.

A phone call.

A handwritten note.

A hug.

Or even a simple Cross Penny tucked into a backpack.

These small acts of love can remind a child that they are deeply loved, faithfully prayed for, and never alone.

May this school year be filled with opportunities to encourage the next generation and point them toward the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Looking for a Meaningful Way to Encourage Your Grandchildren?

Pennies from Heaven Cross Pennies are a simple way to remind children and grandchildren that God is always with them. Slip one into a backpack, lunchbox, notebook, or care package along with a personal note and prayer.

It's a small gift with an eternal message.

Browse our Pennies from Heaven Collection and help send faith, hope, and encouragement with someone you love this school year.