Establishing a Routine Which Will Work For Your
Family
Don't be one of those harried parents scrambling to
buy uniform, last minute school supplies and shoes! Although it can be
incredibly difficult to get back into the routine of school days after
the long summer, if you follow our tips you can ease your whole family
back into term-time without too much anxiety.
Make some lists!
Make one list per child. Include absolutely everything he or she will
need for their first day of school such as lunch boxes, gym clothes, and
school supplies. Your Kindergartener will have different needs than your
sixth grader so it helps to plan ahead. Tick things off your list as you
purchase or get them ready. Remember to name all items in good time,
too!
Establish a Bedtime Routine
A few days before school starts try to start establishing a bed time
routine. If your kids already have one that’s great but if you’ve been a
little relaxed over the summer break it’s probably best to slowly get
them back into the routine. Talk about the importance of getting enough
sleep so that they can feel good at school and try to stick to a
schedule. There is nothing worse than over-tired, cranky kids and you
will do them no favors if you allow them to start the school year this
way!
Use Your Calendar
Make sure you have a good size calendar put up in a prominent place in
your kitchen, or use your day planner strictly! Write down any important
dates such as teacher parent meetings or deadlines for taking things in
to school. During the first days especially you’ll be getting lots of
notes and reminders so it’s good to have a system in place before school
starts.
Daily Planner
Once you know your daily routine, print out one of our planners and use
it to plot your week and remind you what essentials need to go in with
the kids each day. Even if you feel like you are doing it all for them
when they are young, kids will soon begin to take responsibility for
getting ready for school - and you can send even the youngest child off
to check the list every morning to make sure you have everything you
need.
Schedule Tasks
Family life doesn’t always go to plan but try to set a schedule for
certain tasks such as homework. Plan ahead so that you can fit in
homework and dinner times around the kid’s extracurricular activities
without having to rush too much. Kids get tired and if they’re rushing
from one place to the other, they will be less than agreeable when they
then need to sit down and do their homework. If in doubt, do less! Kids
don't need to be occupied at every moment of their waking day, and
everyone will be less stressed if you are not rushing and late for all
your appointments!
Plan Your Meals Too
Spending an hour once a week planning ahead for the week's meals can
help you save money shopping and - of course - time! If you don't manage
that, at least try to spend 2 minutes first thing thinking about what
you will prepare for a meal that evening! It is too easy to resort to
takeout and kids (and adults) who eat a lot of takeout do not perform at
their best.
Plan Ahead
Preparing things the night before will alleviate a lot of morning
stress. Leave your kids clothes ready for the next day, pre-pack their
lunches and make sure their school bags are packed. Come morning, both
you and the kids will be a lot more relaxed if you don’t have to rush.
Why books are a great birthday gift for children of all ages - and how to choose
the appropriate one! Books Make The Best Gifts
For Kids
Forge A Relationship
With Your Children
Whatever we do with our kids when they are young will be absorbed and remembered
down the years, and every day you could be making good memories that will be
cherished for a lifetime. Make an effort to forge a relationship with your
children when they are young...
Not a Morning Person? Tips to Make Your Mornings Easier and More Productive
Are mornings the hardest part of your day? Sometimes it's tough to get yourself
going no matter how much sleep you've had. And if you need to get your family
dressed, fed, and out the door with books, backpacks, and briefcases intact, it
can often be a challenging and gruelling morning.
Dealing With Difficult People
If you're human, you're going to be dealing with difficult people from time to
time - whatever your age. You'll find them at work, at home, at school, or even
while out shopping. While you'll likely to solve a problem with a relative or
friend differently than a stranger, there are also some universal ways of
communicating effectively with difficult people. Teachers and parents can learn
these techniques themselves, and start to teach them to kids, too.
Help Your Child Cope With
Moving Away
If you must move a great distance, you can help your child adjust to the idea of
moving and how to cope with their new life. Your goal will be to eliminate
apprehension and fears and get your children excited about all the new
opportunities that await them.
How To Help Your Child
Overcome Anxiety
Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other
times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented
with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving
these issues is not something to be taken lightly...
Helping Your Child Adjust
To Divorce
Children are usually hit hard by divorce and may not be able to fully grasp the
subject, blaming themselves. The helpful news is that you can do a lot to get
your child through this tough time.
Frugal Family Entertainment - How to Have Low Cost Family Fun
In the first few months of the year, money can be tight for many families as
they tighten the purse strings after the holidays. There are some great ideas
for family activities which won't break the bank in the article below.
