The new school year: It's like a rite of passage. Our parents went through it. We went through it. And each year, our kids go through it anew. Help smooth this much-anticipated event by fostering open communications and bolstering their confidence.
Back-to-school is an exciting time for both parents and children, however, it can be a stressful time as well. Here are 10 simple tips that will help families adjust to the upcoming school year.
- Practice getting the children up early one week prior to the first day of school.
- Pick out school clothes the night before. Involving children in the decision-making will save valuable time in the morning.
- Prepare lunches in the evening together as a family. Children love to help out in the kitchen.
- Limit caffeine and sugar intake after dinner. Either can have a negative effect on some children and their ability to fall asleep.
- Reading with your children before bed is a perfect opportunity to wind down and spend quality time together while enjoying a good book.
- Pick a designated spot in the home for doing homework. This "homework spot" should be quiet, well lit, and contain all the basic school supplies.
- Have children do homework after school when the lessons are still fresh in their minds. Leaving homework until the evening hours can be counterproductive.
- Offer a healthy snack before or during homework since children are most content on a full stomach.
- Put completed homework directly into backpack to avoid any missing assignments.
- Use a daily planner to keep school functions and extra-curricular activities organized throughout the school year.
By: Patty Grenda - Creator of The Family PlannerDesigned with the busy family in mind, The Family Planner is a full-size daily planner with numerous features. Visit us at http://www.thefamilyplanner.com