My nephew Matthew and his friend Patrick on the first day of sophomore year.
It’s that time of year when we set our clocks back and leap forward to a new school year. As summer comes to a close, it’s fitness frenzy for back to school fashion, essential accessories such as school supplies and the latest tech must haves. Check out my tips on how to help your kids be ready for the new school year:
- Get on a regular sleep schedule. Children thrive on predictability when it comes to a bedtime routine.
- Create a family calendar to track activities. Chalkboards are terrific visual aids and it helps each family member know what to expect for each day.
- Establish tech time and family time. Limit screen time so there is enough time for homework and family time. Having dinner as a family is important for children to learn proper dining and conversational etiquette.
- Make to-do lists. They work, and it’s fun for them to cross off completed activities. They also help set the tone for everything that needs to get done each day.
- Designate a homework time and a homework station. They should be both free from distractions.
- Take the pressure off. A new school can be especially nerve-wracking so let them know what to expect and if possible, meet with teachers prior to your child’s first day. Set up play dates with classmates so that your child has a familiar face to look forward to on the first day.
- Enforce weekday bed times and wake up calls. School-age children need approximately 10 hours of sleep per night.
- School clothes or uniforms should be out the night before school. Children should participate in getting themselves dressed as early as age 3.
- Create a rewards system when your kids meet their goals. Sticker charts work great for this and your child can work towards a goal each week.
- Remove mobile devices from their bedrooms so they focus on sleeping. Bright lights from screens are known to inhibit restful sleep.