Back to School Can Be a Hectic Time: Plan Ahead and Raise Your Household Grade

Every year, summer comes to an end and eager children return to the classroom. "Back to school" means back to a daily routine. Planning ahead helps families adjust to the new busy schedule. This school year, be prepared.  Back to school is an exciting time for both parents and children, however, it can be a stressful time as well. As a parent and former certified teacher, I have learned over the years that good planning and preparation can alleviate the stress in most situations. It is my hope that the following tips will help your family adjust to the upcoming school year.

•  Practice getting the children up early, beginning two to three weeks before school starts, to aid in the transition.

•  Integrate a song into the morning routine, if necessary. Try this familiar military song to get them up in the morning: “Hut, 2, 3, 4, get your feet up on the floor—5, 6, 7, 8, get up or you will be late!”

•  Use your imagination to find ways to awaken morning appetites. Prepare pancakes the night before (or week before and freeze for easy morning breakfasts). We know how important breakfast is for good grades.

•  Pick a designated spot in the home for doing homework. This “homework spot” should be quiet, well lit, and contain the basic school supplies needed to complete most homework assignments.

•  Try to have children do homework after school when the lessons are still fresh in their minds. Leaving homework until the evening, when children are likely to be tired, can be counterproductive.

•  Since children are most content on a full stomach, offer a healthy snack before or during homework.

•  Always have children put homework in their backpack when completed to avoid any 'missing' assignments.

•  Pick out school clothes the night before. Involving children in the decision-making process is a great idea and will save valuable time in the morning.

•  Preparing lunches the night before can also lessen the load in the morning, as well as, be a fun thing for kids to do. themselves.

•  Limit caffeine and sugar intake after dinner, since either can often have a negative effect on children and their ability to fall asleep.

•  Reading with your children before or at bedtime is a perfect opportunity to wind down and spend quality time together while enjoying a good book.

•  Even for tenth graders, the first day sets the tone for the entire year. Be ready, be cheerful, be optomistic on that first morning.

•  Use a daily planner to keep school functions and extra-curricular activities organized throughout the school year.

Patty Grenda publishes The Family Planner, a full-size daily planner starting in September with the new school year. Its sixteen month calendar is just one of the many features.  708.528.2345 or www.thefamilyplanner.com