Tools For Families

Hello from Kids Klutter!

Well the school year is in full swing now.   How do we make sure we are on track for a successful year?  What tools do we need to have in order to be successful this school year in our families?

As a parent, we need the standard things to get our children ready...new clothes and school supplies.  We
also need to formulate a schedule that meets the needs of the entire family.  How do we figure this all out?
Several blogs ago, we talked about having a family meeting.  This is still a great place to start in getting
everyone on the same page.  Go over the master schedule, where it will be posted, when things will be added, when will family meetings happen, who is responsible for what on certain days and so on.  Even if you feel like you are always running, roping everyone back in for a weekly meeting around a meal and keeping a master schedule will give you some basic tools in organization. And, if you designate your day before the school year gets crazy, then you will get that commitment to making that weekly meeting take place regularly.

On another note, think about the technology in your home. A recent trip to the doctors office left my head spinning over the new research on kids around screens.  This is any kind of screen...phone, computer, television, game boy, kindle, etc.  They have now discovered that if children are in front of a screen for
more than 2 hours a day (based on 14 years of age and younger), brain cells are actually shrinking.  I was baffled.  We think as parents we are giving our kids that needed down time when they get home with games or television and they could have already been in front of a screen for a significant amount of time at school.
We need to get back to basics in our homes...send the children outside everyday for a chunk of time, have no technology days where nothing goes on and cell phones are left in a basket at the door, get those board games out and communicate through conversation.  Also, an actual book is better than a kindle or e-reader.  Yes, we want our children to learn technology for the future; however, it could end up costing more than bargained for.  It is important we all learn to find that balance in our homes.

And finally, routines are important for all ages.  We function best if we know what to expect in our day so that we can combat those things we cannot change.  Morning, daytime, evening are equally important in some consistency.  Think about what this would look like for your family and make it a habit now.

We on the kids klutter team understand parenting because we are parents ourselves.  We know the trials and triumphs.  We are all in this together!  Get the supplies and tools your need to have a more
peaceful schoolyear!  Enjoy the time together as it passes quickly.