BACK TO SCHOOL
OVER THE COURSE OF MANY, MANY BACK TO SCHOOL SEASONS I KNOW THE CHAOS AND UPHEAVAL THAT IT CAN CAUSE . SOMETIMES IT’S EXCITEMENT, SOMETIMES IT’S DREAD, BUT NO MATTER THE FEELINGS THERE IS A WAY TO BE MORE ORGANIZED AND INTENTIONAL ABOUT GETTING READY FOR THE YEAR AND KEEPING A CONSISTENT PATTERN THAT MAKES LIFE EASIER.
I’VE CREATED SAMPLE AND BLANK CHECKLISTS, RECIPES AND MY BEST TIPS AND TRICKS TO SMOOTHLY ENDURE THE SCHOOL YEAR. FROM BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACKS, TO GETTING HOMEWORK AND CHORES DONE, WHILE ALSO PLANNING IN MUCH NEEDED TIME TO REST.
I HOPE YOU WILL FIND THESE USEFUL AND KNOW THAT I WILL BE PRAYING DAILY THAT YOUR KIDS ARE SAFE, HAPPY AND CONTENT THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL YEAR TOO! .
Homework Helper Tips & Tricks
Tip #1
Homework can be stressful. Create an area at home that is comfortable yet structured, that your child can do homework on a consistent basis. Stock the area with pens, pencils, paper and other supplies they’ll need to complete their work without having to get up and get distracted. .
Tip #4
Make homework a non-negotiable. The pull to skip homework in the name of sports or other extra curriculars is real. While it’s important to pour into what your child loves it’s also important to keep them academically motivated. Missing assignments from the week means missing out on activities with friends or the extras they work hard for as well.
Tip #7
Be available to help. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to walk them through their trigonometry homework. Be willing to sit with them. Help them problem solve. Find tutorials on YouTube. Lend a commiserating ear. Sometimes just not having to sit in confusion alone is enough to not let your child be overwhelmed.
Tip #2
Discover what works best for your child… some people work better with NO noise and NO distractions. Creating that environment can be difficult but necessary. Try establishing a quiet hour in the house. Everyone will benefit from a little silence. Choose an hour between arriving home and bedtime where everyone agrees to keep noise to a minimum, even the adults.
Tip #5
Keep in mind the academic experience is not the same for you as it is for your kids or even amongst siblings. Don’t compare! Stay focused on effort and not grades. Doing the best they can is good enough whether that earns an A or C. The school systems are not designed to accommodate all forms of brilliance. Support your child in doing their best and finding their passions while encouraging their best work.
Tip #8
When it comes to contacting teachers on your child’s behalf contact with caution and permission. Kids are easily embarrassed. They also are aware of repercussions in class because a parent overstepped. I realize we all want to do the best for our kids but we also have to trust them. I’m not saying don’t reach out to a teacher. There are plenty of reasons to step in whether your child wants you to or not, or with their permission. However, use good judgment and listen to your child’s input.
Tip #3
Discover what works best for your child… some people need some background music or noise to focus on the task at hand. Try using a sound machine or classical music to help keep focus on the homework without deafening silence or pop hits that get them lip syncing and dancing.
Tip #6
Establish routines. Homework is done around the same time everyday. Dinner is served around the same time everyday. Bedtime happens around the same time everyday. Creating these routines helps establish patterns and accountability for everyone. Knowing what’s next, the expectations and consequences make a stable environment.
Tip #9
Be willing to invest. I know, money is tight, there are no two ways about it - kids are expensive. However, sacrificing for your child is part of the parental code. When it comes to their education and understanding it’s worth it. If that means investing in a tutor or group coaching, do it. If that means sacrificing sleep to take them into school early for extra help, do it. If that means figuring out ride sharing for after school help, do it. You will never regret letting your kids know that they are your priority.
