September 2012-Parent Tip on Starting the Year Off Right!
It is that time of year again where kids go back to school, parents get geared up for another school year, and teachers are excited for a new group of students to teach!
1. Try and only listen with your ears, not your mouth at least once in those first 2 weeks back to school. In other words, don't try and immediately "fix" your child or adolescent's problem-just listen.
2. Schedule and protect just 5-10 minutes of one-on-one time with your son or daughter every night. This could be at bedtime, after dinner, or any other window of opportunity to connect. Whether your child is 6 or 13, they desperately need that attention and connection.
3. For younger children, try not to overextend and commit to too many activities. This could cause stress for all family members. One or two activities is just right.
4. For your adolescents, stay involved but give some independence.
5. Partner with the school and teachers to form a united team.
6. Come up with a plan together for scheduling homework time, dinner, and other activities to help smooth the transition from summer to back to school.
7. Make time to relax and have fun! Too much work and focus on school could be stressful and anxiety producing.
8. Review the guidelines for homework times based on grade level in the St. Joseph School Handbook. Use this as a guide for you and your son or daughter.
9. Set up a morning routine that will help prevent rushing around and/or meltdowns.
10. Although the days sometimes go slow with parenting, the years go fast-so take the time to enjoy the view!
As always, if you need any resources or have any questions, please feel free to call me at 206-329-3260 X220 or email at [email protected].
Thanks!
Jennifer
1. Try and only listen with your ears, not your mouth at least once in those first 2 weeks back to school. In other words, don't try and immediately "fix" your child or adolescent's problem-just listen.
2. Schedule and protect just 5-10 minutes of one-on-one time with your son or daughter every night. This could be at bedtime, after dinner, or any other window of opportunity to connect. Whether your child is 6 or 13, they desperately need that attention and connection.
3. For younger children, try not to overextend and commit to too many activities. This could cause stress for all family members. One or two activities is just right.
4. For your adolescents, stay involved but give some independence.
5. Partner with the school and teachers to form a united team.
6. Come up with a plan together for scheduling homework time, dinner, and other activities to help smooth the transition from summer to back to school.
7. Make time to relax and have fun! Too much work and focus on school could be stressful and anxiety producing.
8. Review the guidelines for homework times based on grade level in the St. Joseph School Handbook. Use this as a guide for you and your son or daughter.
9. Set up a morning routine that will help prevent rushing around and/or meltdowns.
10. Although the days sometimes go slow with parenting, the years go fast-so take the time to enjoy the view!
As always, if you need any resources or have any questions, please feel free to call me at 206-329-3260 X220 or email at [email protected].
Thanks!
Jennifer