In my sixties I still have dreams of frantically trying to remember my school schedule, classroom, or locker number. I don’t recall that happened in real life, but it speaks to an element of stress relating to school. Add to the basic challenges the pandemic issues, and it can be a recipe for stressed out kids and parents. Being intentional about preparation goes a long way as you gear up to send your little-ones and teens off to school. Here are some Timely Tips for a peaceful and productive new year.
Timely Tips for the new school year
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SCHOOL CLOTHES: Don’t wait until the first day your child needs to wear long pants to discover he’s grown three inches over the summer. Pull out his clothing and have him try on several items to determine his current size. Remove the outgrown clothes and place them in a bin for a younger sibling or donate. Take inventory of what’s left and create a shopping list for what’s lacking.
With your child, sort the clothes into categories and designate specific drawers or cubbies for each. Assign a place for dirty laundry and make sure he knows where it’s expected to land. Delegate laundry cleaning, folding, and/or putting away duties based on age appropriateness.
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SUPPLIES: Print a grade level supply list from the school’s website and check your inventory before you buy. Add to your supply list items needed for your homework station. If your child has an assigned desk at school or home, use open-topped containers to divide and store pencils, markers, glue, and other supplies. If your kitchen table is the homework station, use a caddy for supplies and store it in a nearby cabinet. Label school supplies with your child’s name. If purchasing back-up supplies remove them from the bag and designate a “school supplies” place in a cabinet or closet.
In ‘n Out Storage
IN 'N OUT: Label and assign hooks or cubbies to store your children’s backpacks, lunch bags, sports gear, etc. Create an arriving home routine to ensure they land in the right spot. Assign a tray or file for papers parents must see or sign. Daily walk with your child through the process of getting things where they go until the habit is formed. It may be faster to do it yourself but resist the temptation and build responsibility in your child.
SCHEDULES: Establish a schedule for study time, snack time, free time, dinnertime, prep for the next day, and bedtime. Keep in mind extracurricular activities and homework loads. Set boundaries for screen time. Include your kids in developing the routines. Kids will push against limits but asking for their input will help. A predictable schedule builds security and self-discipline. Create and post a simple outline of the schedule. Feel free to add incentives and/or consequences as needed.
Create a master family calendar on the wall or phone app where everyone can access it. Establish a family meeting (15-20 minutes) each Sunday night to review the upcoming week’s schedule and activities. There will still be unexpected events, but far fewer. Use this time to review the daily schedule and make adjustments as needed. As opportunities arise for new activities and commitments (for parents and students), assess together how they will fit into the schedule and your family’s priorities.
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COMMUNICATION: Link your family meeting to a quick online check of the school portal for messages from the school or teacher. Look for ways to support your child’s teacher with a donation of supplies, volunteering, and sending encouraging notes or emails. School success is a team effort—students, parents, teachers, support staff, and administration all play an essential role. Build into your family an attitude of gratitude for each one and intentionally communicate your thanks throughout the school year.
Wise Words
What's the difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson. --Tom Bodett