Unstructured Days of Summer Are Behind Us - Whew!

With the start of school upon us it’s time to leave the unstructured days of summer behind. Although the thought of a scheduled day may sound a bit more stressful it may actually make life a bit easier. Your children spend their day at school passing from one activity to the next easily. Without much thought or uncertainty. They know exactly what comes next. You might want to follow this lead at home. If you have battles over homework or getting you child dressed in the morning. Hold a family meeting. Talk about what things need to be done each day and make a plan that everyone agrees on. Remember after a full day at school, children are hungry and need a bit of time to unwind. Choose a time slot just for homework and provide you child with a comfortable place to work. With a bit of planning back to school time may actually be easy.

Back to School Transitions for Parents

Preschool or Kindergarten

• Visit your child's classroom a few times before school starts
• Always say a loving good-bye to your child, but once you do, you leave promptly--  Never sneak out.          
• Take time for yourself     

Middle School Jr High

• Be a good and supportive listener but try not to give advice too quickly.
• Problems young people can solve for themselves help to build confidence   
• Remember they are still young children but now have more pressure 

 High School

• Reassure your teenager that it is normal to feel confused and unsure at first and that most other teens feel the same way.
• Give your teenager as much control as you can (within limits) over the wardrobe so he/she feels that he/she "fits in".
• Stay involved                        

Off to College

• Encourage your kid to get involved. There are many activities on campus, so go ahead and join. Don't wait, either. Go ahead and get involved your first week of your freshman year
• Adjusting to college life can take a lot out of your kid because of the new class schedules, studying, and having to figure out how to handle it on your own. Because of this encourage them to stick to a schedule for eating and sleeping.
• Seek support from other moms and remember-- Take time for yourself again!