The start of another school year can be an exciting time for your children – new classes, new teachers and new friends. It can also be a trying time for families – adjusting to a new early morning routine, keeping up with homework and exam preparation.
We’ve identified the top five most common back-to-school challenges and provided solutions in order to help you get ready for September.
Feeling Unprepared? Make a Launch Pad
Like the shower caddy, nearly all parents and professionals champion the “launch pad” as a quick and easy way to make sure that kids have everything they need — from homework to lunch, sneakers or gear — while at school.
Designate a “grab and go” spot where you place all school bags, lunch boxes and activity equipment for the day ahead. Then, before bedtime, check in with the launch pad to make sure that you have everything you need to grab when you head out the door the next day.
Going Mad in the Morning? Set Up a Routine
One of the toughest parts of the start of the school year is making the transition from the laid-back summer schedule to the rigorous academic routine. Suddenly the alarm starts going off at 6:30 am, the kids start fighting for the bathroom, and your morning turns to mayhem.
To stay ahead of the frenzy this year set up a regular bedtime and morning routine. This can include everything from a lights-out time to a time for showering, brushing teeth, reading books or making breakfast.
You can even test out your plan 10 days before school starts to get your kids ready for the first day. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to get into the swing of things and adjust to the new schedule. Kids thrive on routine as it helps them know what to expect, creates a sense of calm and solves many morning meltdowns.
Missing Materials? Get the Right Supplies
Pens, pencils, protractors, papers — it’s a lot to manage and keep organized. Include your kids when you go school supply shopping so that they can help pick out their materials. Personalizing the process can also help them take ownership of their supplies and know what’s theirs.
Consolidating subjects into a master binder can help keep track of assignments and a shower caddy for pens, pencils, highlighters and calculators can help kids easily carry around their essentials.
Homework Not Happening? Define a Workstation
Another common pitfall is the roving workstation. Although you want to give your kids room to choose where they’ll best concentrate, it’s important to help them establish a definitive work space. This way kids know exactly where to go when it’s homework time.
Most desks in bedrooms end up as clutter-catchers rather than workspaces. Instead, think about the kitchen or a common area as kids generally like to do homework where they can interact regularly with adults.
Out of Touch? Get Involved
The flurry of back-to-school organizing can sometimes leave us so harried keeping up with our schedules that we lose sight of what’s actually going on at school. Try to stay mindful of the bigger picture at the start of the school year and make time to meet with your kids’ teachers. If you can, check out school events or get involved with parent associations.
Remember that every family is unique and should develop their own system to stay on track during the back-to-school season. The key is to figure out what works best for you, and then get organized and excited for the coming new year.
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