As September comes closer and summer comes to an end, the topic of Back-To-School becomes a reality. And sometimes a stressful reality!
This is a great week for a family meeting. Have some open conversation about expectations (for the whole family) for the school year. Check out our family meeting tips in more detail here .
Here are 6 great tips to help you feel confident as you head back into the routines of September!
Clothing Choices
Children grow so quickly, especially in elementary school. Therefore they will be growing out of their clothes fast. Get your children to try on outfits from last year to see what fits and what doesn’t. If there are items you are keeping in their closets and drawers because you like them (but the kids don’t), this is the time to be ruthless. Pop them in the donation bag and simplify. Have only the items that you know your children like and will wear without making a fuss!
Lunch Planning
Lunch planning is key. Sit down with your children before the busyness of school starts, and make a list of healthy and delicious foods they will enjoy. Vegetables, fruits, yogurt, sandwiches and granola bars are just some of the healthy and easy food options for school. Start the good habit from day one this year and prepare lunches in the evening so school mornings are less rushed. Think about sending leftovers or something warm in a thermos. Maybe you haven’t done it before, but it may open up a whole new world of lunchtime possibilities. Things stay warmer until lunchtime if you fill the thermos with hot water first and let it sit for a few minutes. Empty the water out and add your warm food.
School Bedtime Schedule
As September comes closer, begin having the children go to bed earlier by 15 minutes each night. This will transition them into getting up earlier and not feeling tired at school.
Transportation Arrangements
Find friends and/or neighbours whose children go to the same school as your kids and see if they would be interested in carpooling with you. If this is a possibility, make a schedule so everyone is clear on the plan.
Family Calendar
Throughout the school year, your child may want to participate in extracurriculars, special events, and programs. But how are you supposed to keep track of that? Put a large whiteboard calendar on the fridge (or anywhere your kids will look) and assign each child a different dry erase marker. Help them learn how to be responsible for filling in school schedules, after school activities, events, etc. What your job will be is making sure there are no conflicts, or to figure out how to work around a conflict if needed.
Large white board calendar is a great investment at Staples
Homework Zone
Before the workload of school begins, make sure you determine where each of you children will be doing their homework and how soon after school that work should be done. It is really important that your kids know your expectations. Make a list of rules you have for homework and write them down. For example, no television until you are done your homework or no devices during homework time. Each family has rules that work for them. The key is to make the rules, the expectations and the consequences clear to everyone!
Once you get everyone back to school if you feel like the fresh start of September is for you too, check out our website. We offer a complimentary initial consultation. We can come and talk about how to get you and your family to a level playing field. We don’t want you to feel like you are just barely keeping your head above water. We have strategies that work and a caring team that comes with no judgement.