29 Aug
2008
The school year is fast approaching and for some of you, it has already started. Fall is a time of many new beginnings. Not only school is starting but ballet, gymnastics, hockey, soccer, drama class, karate, and all the other extra-curricular activities our children are involved in, are starting as well. It may mean back to work for many parents and back to the activities you put on hold over the summer. What can you do to make the year run as smoothly as possible? Here are 7 tips:
1. Do as much as you can the night before. That means make lunches and put them in the fridge so your children just need to grab their lunch kit as they head out the door. Make sure all back-packs are ready to go and placed near the door. Breakfast can even be started the night before. Put cereal boxes on the table. Set the table and put as much out as you can.
2. Limit extra-curricular activities. Do you want to hear yourself saying “Hurry up!!” “Get into the car. We’re late!” every day? Children need down time as much as adults do. They also need lots of time for unstructured play.
3. Make sure time is set aside every day to check in with your child. Ask things like: “Who did you play with today?” “What was the best part about today?” What did you do today that was fun?” When we take the time to connect at least once a day, children are less likely to seek attention in inappropriate ways.
4. If we’re stressed and irritated our children pay a price. Look after your own needs to minimize feelings of resentment. Our resentments cause us to lash out more frequently and say things we may later regret. Hostility affects everyone in the family. Do what you can to create a warm, loving environment. That includes looking after your children’s mother/father.
5. Allow your children to take responsibility for their own choices. If they’re refusing to do homework, or not co-operating with the help you offer, let them take ownership and face the consequences of their actions at school. Often the more we force our own agenda on our children, the more they resist and power struggles escalate.
6. Make sure children have a consistent bedtime routine. Young children need 10-12 hours of sleep a night. Aim to begin the routine an hour or so before they go to bed to allow for a small snack, baths, teeth brushing, stories and quiet conversation.
7. If getting your children to eat breakfast in the morning is a constant battle, bring some healthy food for them to munch on, on the way to school in the car. If they walk, pack extra food in their lunch kit so they can eat something at recess.
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