Having lived in Oregon for over 50 years, my reference point for starting the new school year has always been the day after Labor Day. However, since moving to Arkansas a couple years ago, I’ve discovered that most everyone on this side of the country is back in school by middle of August!

With that said, you can ask your daughter the following 12 questions BEFORE her school year gets underway or AFTER that first day, since they can easily be put into motion in the first week or two of this new semester.

Dad, make it your goal to address all 12 of these topics with your daughter sooner than later. On your mark, get set, GO!

1. Ask about her “first day” outfit. (And if she wears a uniform, ask about her non-school options). The clothes your daughter wears on the first day of school (or anywhere, for that matter) is a big deal. They showcase her style and personality, and she definitely wants to look older than a year ago. Take time to notice her entire look. Tell her she’s beautiful and affirm her creativity in putting it all together.

2. Ask her to name 3 things she’s most excited about for this school year. If you can help your daughter give voice to her expectations and goals for this next year, her hope and optimism will rise, which will also increase her core strength.

3. Ask her to share 3 anticipatory fears. First listen to all she has to say and then inform her that it’s ‘within normal limits’ to have anxiety at the start of a new school year. Let her know you’ll write her requests on your prayer list, which means you’re taking her concerns seriously by bringing them to God. Revisit the conversation in the weeks ahead so she knows you’ve remembered.

4. Ask how you can pray for her today…and every day. Your daughter will feel your support in knowing you’re taking her problems, fears, and challenges to God on her behalf. If she’s okay with hearing your prayer, start a pattern of praying before school each day so she hears your heart and your words. Even if she isn’t open to you praying with her, most likely she’ll appreciate knowing that you’re praying for her.

5. Ask about her friends. This is one of the most important questions you can ask because she’ll be shaped most by those she spends the most time with. As you well know, there WILL be drama coming down the pike, so make a decision now not to criticize her as she navigates life with friends. Invest time in learning their names and hearing their stories. Invite them to your home for a pizza, movie, or game night…or surprise them by paying for their food. The more proactive you are as school begins, the more she’ll open up with you as the year unfolds.

6. Ask what “starting school” tradition she’d like to do with you. Share a few of your ideas first so she knows you have some skin in the game---such as:

• Shop together for one new clothing item and go out to eat afterwards.

• Do a day trip (hike, explore somewhere new in your area, etc.) to help clear her mind before she’ll be filling it up.

• Dress up and go to a special restaurant where she feels extra special.

7. Ask about her teachers. Before this semester begins, write down the names of each teacher and the subjects they teach. When you ask specific questions about them as the term progresses, she’ll know you care about those details. (Then add this info to your prayer list).

8. Ask what she’s learning each day. Instead of saying, “How was your day?,” try being more specific based on what you learned from #6, such as, “What new words did you learn in Ms. White’s Spanish class today?” You’ll get a much more thorough response by asking a much more specific question.

9. Ask if there’s anything she needs from you to champion her. Your daughter may not have something in mind before school starts, so let her know you’ll ask her again. Confirm that she knows she can always come to you for anything. Expect to be inconvenienced if you really mean this. But also expect lasting rewards as she sees you sacrificially investing in her--which will strengthen the bond between you.

10. Ask if she needs any additional support. She may need a counselor if her internal struggles intensify, where a skilled professional leads her for a season. She may need a tutor for a tough subject or a coach for beefing up her athletic skills. Let her know it’s wise to add more people to her power team so she can be strengthened in those areas where she’s weaker. Share stories about times you’ve needed extra help and how you’ve overcome obstacles, fears, and challenges.

11. Ask how you can support her spiritual growth this year. Because our spiritual and moral foundations ground us when the storms of life come crashing in, be a catalyst for strengthening your daughter’s spiritual life by opening up this conversation. Be willing to:

• Read the Bible and/or a devotion with her each morning before school.

• Go to church with her.

• Drive her to youth group.

Addressing this as the school year gets underway will let her know you see the value in spiritual development alongside educational, athletic, social and personal goals.

12. Ask her to join you in planning a family celebration after completing the first month of school. Celebrations are markers to highlight milestones built on a foundation of worth and value. Some ideas could include:

• Give a gift to mark the occasion---a stuffed animal, gift card, or something she needs or wants.

• A family night at home with an extra fun meal or dessert.

• A family outing to a special restaurant.

• Enjoy an outdoor venue for a picnic and games.

The place is less important than the actual event. While there, share three ways you’ve seen your daughter (and each of your kids) grow in this first month of school. And if it’s been a tough start, affirm the character qualities being developed, such as commitment, hard work, and patience.

Whether your daughter’s school year starts on a high or low, you can be a proactive father who leads and loves well by asking her these 12 questions. And your GPA (Great Papa Award!) will be higher if you listen thoroughly to her responses.

The result of asking these questions and listening well will be life-enhancing for your daughter. And speaking of results, I promise that by doing these proactive things, you’re getting an A+ from me before the semester even gets started. Go Dad!