How To Avoid Back-to-School Havoc - Atascocita
How To Avoid Back-to-School Havoc - Atascocita
Published: Aug 06, 2014, 3:00pm
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Back to school is in full swing! Families are already preparing to make
the transition from long summer days filled with late nights, day trips
and friends to early mornings, classes, homework and extracurricular
activities. Whether it is kindergarten or college, the back to school
season seems to create chaos in most homes.
The key to harmony
instead of havoc is to be organized, organized and more organized! That
is easier said than done, so I would like to share with you a few
practical tips to make this time of year a little easier for you and
your family.
Avoid the Rush
� Shop early! Local stores have better selections.
�
Support uniforms. They are great! School supplies are usually stocked
year �round. Obtain a supply list from your child�s school or your local
Wal-Mart and purchase a few items every time you shop. It�s easier on
your budget too. Keep a few supplies like construction paper, glue,
markers and poster board on hand for special projects. You will avoid
those late-night, frustrating trips to the store.
� Make sure
immunization and medical records are up-to-date, and don�t forget
dentist and eye exams. To further save time, haircuts can be worked in
around other appointments.
� Post a big calendar in the kitchen for extracurricular activities. Deadlines are often overlooked.
� Learn school start times and bus schedules. Arrange for car pool and pick-up and drop-off destinations and times.
Get Back in the Swing of Things
�
To avoid classroom nodding, begin a regular bedtime routine at least
two weeks prior to the first day of school. Success includes rising
early and establishing an effective early-morning routine. Don�t forget
breakfast (parents, that includes you.)
� Organize closets,
dressers and bathrooms during the summer. Everything should have a
place. Dressing and grooming will be much easier.
Prepare the Night Before
�
Pack lunches and backpacks the night before. If your child is
struggling with something, don�t forget a little note of encouragement
in their lunch box. It will make a sometimes unbearable situation (in
your child�s mind) better and bring a smile to their day.
�
Review the items in your children�s backpacks to make sure they�re not
forgetting something. In the afternoon, retrieve notes from school. This
will keep you informed and ensure you and your child will not miss out.
Put the papers that need to go back to school in a special place where
you and your child can put your hands on them quickly, preferably in the
evening.
� Tackle clothing selections and bathing at night. The less stress in the mornings, the better.
� Send the kids off in the mornings with a hug and a�I love you! You will both have a better day!
Stay in Touch at Home and School:
� Designate a time to discuss their day, and really listen.
� Help with homework.
�
Attend extracurricular activities as often as possible. It reinforces
the child�s choice of activities, and shows your support of what�s
important to them.
� Seek out opportunities to help by volunteering.
�
Teenagers are very mobile. If possible, provide them with a cell phone
(great for emergencies). You'll feel more secure knowing you can contact
them. REMIND THEM...NO TEXTING AND DRIVING!
I know this sounds
a little overwhelming to �first timers,� but with a few lists and a lot
of determination, you can make the back-to-school season an enjoyable
experience for you and your family. After a few years of experience, it
all becomes old hat. Until then, exercise a little patience. The result
will be BIG smiles the first day of school for you and your children.
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