When a new school year gets
underway, families experience new routines, schedules, and priorities. Before
summer ends, taking a few simple steps can help your child gear up for a great
year.
Keep a large calendar, marking
each family member’s activities in a different color.
Re-establish bedtimes for
school nights. Get children in the habit of preparing for each school day the
night before. They can set out clothes, pack a lunch, and set their backpack by
the front door.
Scale back television time.
Create a supervised study space for your child.
Establish a family reading
time, and make a plan for after-school activities. Schedule adequate time for
homework, play, clubs, practice, and sports.
Collect important telephone
numbers. Update doctor and work numbers, plus those for the school office and a
neighbor.
Start a change jar. This can
ensure children will have spare lunch money on hand.
Set up a file for your child’s
school papers. Place all school notices in it so you won’t misplace them.
Create a carpool. Compare
schedules and determine which parents can drive kids which days. Have a back-up
plan with another parent who will exchange pickup favors. This can be very
helpful in case you get sick or delayed by work or traffic.
Taking these few steps can
really help set the tone for a great year of school.
