A New Season

Some of us have children who have returned
to school and others are going back this week.
Some of us have young children who are going
to a school for the very first time, young adults
entering middle school or high school or adults
beginning the adventure of college life.

In any event, we are all in a new season. Each
new season presents us with new opportunities.
And with those opportunities comes growth and
the start of something brand new.

Although, it is a great idea to set your family up
to be successful and organized during the school
year, it is equally a time to find out what works
and what does not. And, it is important to change
the not working things early on so they do not
change your positive thinking about all the things
that are working.

A positive attitude is the key to starting each new
day and getting your children motivated. The more
positive things we role model, the more our children
will take on that "can do" attitude. In my house,
my son has tried to stay in bed until the last possible
minute. No alarm clock will wake him up. I will go
in and call him a dozen times and when he finally
gets rolling he only remembers my final call which
is usually something similar to a cattle call. Then his
response is something like, "You do not have to yell
at me!" Not a great way for anyone to start the morning.
Then, as a mom, you manifest it inside that
you did something wrong and it weighs on you throughout
the morning routine and you find yourself apologizing
and more frustrated then ever. So, how do you change
those negative morning routines? I quickly realized it
was in the entire schedule and routine at my house.

Part of it is making your children realize everyone has
a role in the house. In the morning, they are responsible for getting
up, getting dressed, brushing teeth and getting downstairs
for breakfast. Mom is responsible for getting everyone
started, getting lunches ready and breakfast on the table.
Everyone is responsible to help with getting out of the
house on time...be it to the bus stop, the garage or the
car pool friend. When you think about it there are many
things that have to get done in the short amount of time
in the morning because we all move a little slower. To
make it more sane for everyone, make sure all of the
organizing is done the night before. Homework, reading,
backpacks packed, clothes layed out for the next day,
any extra things needed, etc. Moms should simplify their
life in the morning as well - easier breakfasts on school days,
prepare what can be done for lunch the night before. Fancy
breakfasts can be a great time together on the weekends.

Children are overwhelmed easily and routine is key. They
have a schedule at school because it is a fact that they
learn and function better when they have some idea of
what to expect. So, we should try very hard to have a
schedule at home.

A special and appropriate homework place is a start. A desk with
a chair that fits your child is ideal. All children should sit at
a 90 degree angle for optimal learning. If possible, feet should
be touching the floor. If they are sitting in a chair that spins or
their legs dangle, they do not have the best upper trunk support
for writing or creating. A quiet place without outside distractions
will help concentration. And, a reasonable amount of "playtime"
or "downtime" is equally important to a successful student. They
need to separate from school for awhile. Most important, family time
around the dinner table is ideal for talking about the great things that
happened during the day and processing the not so great. Everyone,
regardless of your age, needs to talk about their day and leave with a
positive thought. Reading together is also a great way to spend time
together before bedtime. Something relaxing will help the brain turn
down the bed and be ready for the much needed sleep.

Of course, there is the sport, dance or club you have to factor in to your
master schedule and there will be days when the ideal is not perfect.
We have all done homework in a fast food restaurant or the library
between things. The key here is not to overschedule your children
or your family. Having chaos a night or two is something; however,
if this becomes the norm in your house you will quickly find things
will become more difficult to accomplish all around. It will feel like
the days just flow together and everyone looks forward to a day off.

Find the balance this school year so that everyone can be successful,
rested and heard. Children and adults need balance. This may take
a few weeks to figure out with your family but most important to
keeping a positive outlook as a family. A good guideline is if mom or
dad are feeling overwhelmed with the week then you can assume your
children are feeling it twice as much. A day needs to start and end on
a good note and not be carried through to weeks end. Sit down, as
a family and come up with a master schedule. Plug in all the necessary
things that cannot be moved first. Have everyone take on something
in the house. Kids can plan meals, help shop, help cook, sort laundry,
clean up, set the table. Create a schedule and plug everyone in. The
more involved everyone is in planning the schedule, the more successful
the schedule will be!

Welcome back to school and have a great month!