Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed at the idea of a new
school year beginning. It is not just the new clothes, supplies and
teachers, it is also the new routines and activities that need to become
regular events.
These seven steps will help you take control of the overwhelm that a new school year creates. They will also help you and your family get back on track, and into a predictable schedule, sooner as opposed to later!
· Put a clock in every room including the bathroom
Each family member should know their specific tasks and priorities for every block of time, before and after school and in the evening.
Once everyone is used to looking at the clock, make sure to enforce their timing, in and out the door.
A teacher recently told me that kids no longer know how to read a traditional clock. With this in mind it might be a good idea to use analogue clocks instead of digital!
· Keep a strict timeline for dinner, play, tasks and homework.
As you know, a set schedule provides a comfort zone for children, they know what to expect and when. A clock in every room fends off excuses for not completing tasks on time.
· Always think before committing to any new child's activity or volunteer responsibility.
Ideally, make no snap decisions and give yourself time to reflect on any proposed commitment or responsibility (say you have to check your calendar first) for you or your children.
Although some children enjoy a full schedule, it is also good to let them simply be kids with free time to explore and create for themselves.
A child who has every waking hour scheduled full of activities can get burned out just like an adult.
Many kids have way too many activities on their schedule. If you dont want them to become workaholics later in life, let them have some free time with nothing special to do!
Be flexible and leave enough time in between commitments to bend, move and flex timelines and expectations.
In a school age family, change is inevitable. Every week will include some unforeseen shift in your schedule.
Keep enough time between scheduled appointments that you can be flexible and avoid the stress of running late when the unexpected happens!
· Be very clear about your family's priorities.
Schedule time to combine obligatory activities with activities that make everyone happy. Raising kids should be a time to enjoy, not a time filled with stress.
· Schedule time for yourself.
If you're frazzled, the whole household runs the risk of falling apart. Take small moments every day to relax and nourish your soul, like bubble baths or time with your friends.
These seven steps will help you take control of the overwhelm that a new school year creates. They will also help you and your family get back on track, and into a predictable schedule, sooner as opposed to later!
· Put a clock in every room including the bathroom
Each family member should know their specific tasks and priorities for every block of time, before and after school and in the evening.
Once everyone is used to looking at the clock, make sure to enforce their timing, in and out the door.
A teacher recently told me that kids no longer know how to read a traditional clock. With this in mind it might be a good idea to use analogue clocks instead of digital!
· Keep a strict timeline for dinner, play, tasks and homework.
As you know, a set schedule provides a comfort zone for children, they know what to expect and when. A clock in every room fends off excuses for not completing tasks on time.
· Always think before committing to any new child's activity or volunteer responsibility.
Ideally, make no snap decisions and give yourself time to reflect on any proposed commitment or responsibility (say you have to check your calendar first) for you or your children.
Although some children enjoy a full schedule, it is also good to let them simply be kids with free time to explore and create for themselves.
A child who has every waking hour scheduled full of activities can get burned out just like an adult.
Many kids have way too many activities on their schedule. If you dont want them to become workaholics later in life, let them have some free time with nothing special to do!
Be flexible and leave enough time in between commitments to bend, move and flex timelines and expectations.
In a school age family, change is inevitable. Every week will include some unforeseen shift in your schedule.
Keep enough time between scheduled appointments that you can be flexible and avoid the stress of running late when the unexpected happens!
· Be very clear about your family's priorities.
Schedule time to combine obligatory activities with activities that make everyone happy. Raising kids should be a time to enjoy, not a time filled with stress.
· Schedule time for yourself.
If you're frazzled, the whole household runs the risk of falling apart. Take small moments every day to relax and nourish your soul, like bubble baths or time with your friends.
