As the
carefree days of summer are coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking
about sending the kids back to school. While some parents are jumping for joy, others view this time of year as
hectic and stressful. Now is the time to
pave the way to a good school year by setting up an organized routine and an
organized house.
The
key
is to have everyone in the household involved in the daily tasks.
Encourage independence. Let them help in what ever age-appropriate
tasks they can. The more kids are
involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.
Here are tips for reducing your anxiety level and making the school days run more smoothly.
Ensure Each Child Has a Task List
The list should include all of the activities that need to
be accomplished in order to be ready for a great day at school. The list helps you provide structure with out
having to nag your child. Feel free to
customize each child’s list by adding or deleting tasks as appropriate.
- Empty backpack – Each child should empty their own backpack into a simple system. Don’t overwhelm your kindergartener with an elaborate filing system. Consider using a plastic vertical file that hangs on a wall next to your backpack storage. Designate a specific spot for each child as well as an “ASAP” spot. The “ASAP” spot is for any paperwork or homework that would require immediate attention (notes from the teacher, items for the parents to sign, permission slips, etc.) This provides you some guarantee that notes and papers get to you in a timely manner. Parents remember to review the files daily!
- Put backpack away – There should be a designated spot in your home for backpacks. This could be a hallway bench, hooks in a garage, shelves in a laundry room or any location close to where the children will be exiting the house. By placing the backpack near the door before bedtime, you eliminate the mad rush backpack search in the morning.
- Do homework & put in backpack – This may seem obvious, but often, kids notify their parents about assignments as they are being tucked in for bed. By including it on the assignment chart, it is harder to overlook. Each child should have a designated study time. It does not matter if you are an adolescent or an adult, you benefit from a routine.
- Make lunch – Even if your child is too young to make his/her lunch by themselves, they should be able to help pack fruit, beverage, dessert or chips. By making lunches the previous evening you will have one less thing to do on the morning.
- Choose clothes – Teach your child to listen to the weather forecast for the next day so that they can pick out appropriate clothing. Make a rule that they must stick with their clothing choice the next morning – no stalling because they did not feel like wearing what they chose the night before.
- Pack for extracurricular activities – This might include sports equipment, band instruments, or field trip extras.
What tasks do you have in your home to make school time run smoother?
