Wait, what? School starts again already? It seems like only yesterday that children were dancing for joy as they got off the bus and headed home for summer vacation.
Are you ready to start a great school year with less stress and as little drama as possible?
Here are eight reminders to help parents set the stage for a great year.
1. It’s okay to say no when commitments become too demanding. Many child experts warn parents about the stress children experience when they participate in too many activities. Ask yourself, “Do we have control over our schedule, or does it control us?”
2. Saying no can be helpful for you too. In addition to the stress of the children, parents must also consider their own stress levels with school, work, and additional responsibilities. A stressed, tired parent who is always at the end of their rope usually leads to even more drama. Ask yourself, “Does my family benefit more from this activity or from a relaxed parent?”
3. Routines and structure at home help everyone. Continuity at home is best for kids and parents alike. When you establish a bedtime, morning, and homecoming routine, you actually reduce stress for kids (and adults) because they know what to expect. Ask your family, “What routine can we establish that will help everyone when they get home from school?”
4. Mindful evenings make for peaceful mornings. Things like picking out an outfit, packing lunches, getting backpacks ready with completed homework, and signing papers before bed can make mornings better. Anything you (and your kids) can do the night before to make mornings less hectic is a real plus. Ask your family, “What is one thing we can all be responsible for every night to make our mornings go better?”
5. Let your children do what they can do themselves. Start by giving each child a short list of tasks to contribute to the family. It’s tempting to do things yourself because it’s quicker or easier, but it’s good to develop the habit of delegating things you know they can do. When you succumb to the temptation to jump in and take over a task, tell yourself, “If I give my child space for independence, it will have a greater impact on my child than if we are late.”
6. You will always be one of your child’s teachers. As a parent, you are always your child’s first teacher. But the job is not over just because your child is in school! Try to be actively involved in your child’s education, from homework help to life skills. Ask your child, “What subject are you a little worried about? Is there anything I can do to help you with that subject?”
7. Technology is a tool. Technology is almost always a big part of education, so setting screen boundaries and technology limits can be difficult. Helpful information to help you make decisions can be found at the online resource ScreenStrong (screenstrong.org). Ask your child’s teacher, “What role does technology play in the classroom? And what are the expectations for technology at home?”
8. Regular family meetings can help keep communication open. Arrange a time once a week for the whole family to sit down together – even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Talk about what’s coming up for everyone in the coming week and find out if someone is responsible for bringing food or school supplies to school. Plan meal prep for the week or discuss anything important that everyone should know. Ask your family: “What two things do you think we should talk about more often?”
You don’t have to wait until fall break to prepare for back to school. Making time for your family to bond and communicate is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and drama. Here’s to a stress-free and great start to school for your family.
Lauren Hall is president and CEO of the family nonprofit First Things First. You can email her at [email protected].
