Helping Your Child Handle Annoying Classmates
The school year has begun. You prayed for your child, for their teachers and for a great year.
Academics matter – but so does helping your child succeed socially, especially when they have to deal with “that” student. The one who grates on everyone’s nerves. The one your child mentioned at the dinner table with an eye roll and a sigh.
So …
Before you address the “annoying classmate” issue, start with something positive. Ask your child what they’re looking forward to this year. Which classes excite them? What activities are they eager to jump into?
Then gently circle back to their comment about the student who “gets on everybody’s nerves.” Invite them to explain what they meant. Listen. Empathize. Let them know you understand – because you do.
We all have someone in our workplace or neighborhood whose behavior makes us want to take the long way around the building. Share a brief story of your own (without denigrating anyone, including mentioning names) about a person who stretches your patience thin.
Next, ask a tough question: “Do you think you ever annoy people?” If your child is honest, you might even get a smile – maybe a laugh. This moment of humility can open the door to a meaningful conversation.
Explain that you want them to enjoy every good thing they’re excited about this year, and you don’t want frustration or unkindness to steal any of those opportunities.
Then suggest something different: “What if we prayed for this student instead of making fun of them?”
Read or quote 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV):
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.
Pray together for help to notice one positive trait about this classmate – even if it’s a small one. Ask God to help your child see this student as someone who may be carrying burdens they know nothing about.
Together, pray for this student to have a good year.
And in your own quiet time, continue praying – asking God to guide you as you support your child academically, socially and spiritually. School is more than grades. It’s a training ground for compassion, maturity and Christlike character.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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Thanks so much for this. Sharing with my daughter who has 5 in school and is a teacher herself! Love your encouraging and challenging posts!
Patty (Kim’s sister)
THANK you, Patty, for your sweet comment. I pray my devotion will help your daughter and all parents and teachers this school year.
How nice to see you again, Patty!
We all have someone in our workplace or neighborhood whose behavior makes us want to take the long way around the building. How do you deal with the annoying people in your life?
I don’t have a dollar story exactly , but I believe in the power of prayer . My children are almost 30, but I belonged to a group ,Moms in Prayer , that helped me and my children tremendously . I suggest any mom or grandmother look up on their website , maybe even form your own group with other moms and pray for them all. I also recommend Stormie O’Martin’s book, the power of praying parent( also her book on the wife too )
Great suggestions, Teresa! Moms in Prayer is a wonderful way for a community of moms to pray for their children. AND Stormie OMartian’s books are well written and filled with beautiful prayers for moms and wives.
It’s so nice to see you again here at Today Can Be Different, Teresa. Thank you for stopping by!
Ask God to guide you as you support your child academically, socially and spiritually. School is more than grades. It’s a training ground for compassion, maturity and Christlike character.
As all the children, especially preteens and teens and even younger are going back to school, let’s be praying not only for their learning, but also that the students be mindful of their treatment of others. Pray especially for the teachers who are leading and their patience and wisdom in doing so! “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12. “Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11. “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29. Pray for all the teachers and students to be encouraging to one another. My son not only had trouble with students making fun of him, but also a particular teacher who constantly was disciplining my child unnecessarily, according to a janitor and another mom (who I trusted) in Elementary School. Life is hard, but God is always good. We both prayed for that teacher’s salvation! I also prayed for our children while they were in school with other woman in “Mom’s in Touch” which is now called “Mom’s in Prayer”. Thanks Sheryl!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder — and these powerful Scriptures. As our children head back to school, your call to pray for their hearts, their words and their treatment of others is so needed. I especially appreciate your emphasis on compassion, patience and unity, just as Paul encourages in Colossians 3:12 and 2 Corinthians 13:11. Those verses speak so clearly to what our classrooms need today.
I’m so sorry your son experienced both hurtful classmates and a discouraging situation with a teacher. That kind of pain stays with a parent, not to mention the student. Yet your response — praying for that teacher’s salvation and continuing to lift your son before the Lord — is such a testimony of choosing grace over bitterness. What a powerful example of Christlike compassion and persevering prayer, Kim.
I’m grateful, too, for ministries like Mom’s in Prayer. Praying with other moms during the school year makes a difference. Your faithfulness encourages me, and I know it will encourage others who read your comment.
Thank you again for your thoughtful words and for pointing us back to Scripture as we pray for students, teachers, and families this school year. May God continue to use your story to strengthen others — and may He surround every child and teacher with His love and peace.