Back to School: 5 Tips/Tricks/Tools to tame the turmoil
As a mom of 3 who not only runs a business but also a household, here are some tips I swear by. This list has been put to the test and
I wouldn't parent without it!
I recently polled an amazing group of moms to get their BEST tips for Back-to-School and here’s what they had to say:
1.prepare prepare prepare
Prep the night before.
Clothes, Backpacks, Chromebooks, Lunches, etc. Bonus points if you prep the whole week’s outfits & lunches on Sunday!
2. Morning routine - Make them tell YOU
Every morning, the same tasks must be accomplished. Go over these tasks for a while, then start asking your child to tell you what they need to do. This promotes thinking for themselves and independence! It's always okay to remind them if they forget, but the key is to get them thinking instead of depending on someone to think for them.
-This is a personal tip we learned in therapy and it works like a CHARM.
3. Charging up - Designate an area
Do you have a charging station? Well you need one! This can be a desk or any area with plugs! Make that your charging station and all Chromebooks live here after homework is complete. This keeps you from struggling to locate things you need in the morning before school and keeps devices charged and ready to go!
4. Need a break? Brain Breaks
Take 15 minutes to 1 hour each day to let your child decompress and take a brain break! Snacks are a great addition to this special time each day.
5. Grab a pen (or a keyboard)
Write a letter (or an email)
I've recently adopted this idea! Write a letter to your child's teacher(s), bus driver, and anyone who interacts with your child on a daily basis. Tell them about your child's strengths and their weaknesses. Share a little about their home routine and include any important information like mental health concerns and how you overcome any negative behaviors in the home. This helps your child's teacher know what to do if things go sideways at school or on the bus.
SECRET WEAPON
ROUTINE Routine Routine!
You've heard it a thousand times, but I'm here to say it AGAIN. Keep the same routine all year long to tame the turmoil before it even gets started!
