Are You Ready for Back to School?

It's hard to believe that we are just a week away from the start of the new school year. After a long summer break, it takes a while for children and parents to get back into an efficient routine. Be ready to start on a positive and productive note by following these ideas:

Parents:

Here are some things to think about before sending your student back to school:

• Set clear goals and expectations for the new school year.

• Pick your battles, you’ll save time and stress.

• Children usually respond well to routines. Team up and create a homework routine that makes sense to both of you.

• Make decisions together with your child. Let them pick their outfit from two pre-approved options; whenever possible, do the same with snacks, and other potential conflict-causing decisions.

• Start implementing a good bedtime routine a few days before the start of the school year.

• Decide on practical and healthy breakfast and lunch options; choose a convenient meal prep day to avoid early morning panic.

• Clean up your children’s closet. Donate what they won’t be wearing anymore or recycle what’s no longer in wearable condition.

• Write down in your planner or digital calendar all the upcoming orientation days, school visits, meet and greets, early dismissal days, and any other important date. Set a reminder for the day before and another for one hour before the time of the event.

• Open a digital folder to keep all documents and emails related to each of your children’s school activities. Label the folders, keep them up-to-date, and check them daily!

• Set up a quiet space for studying and homework; make sure it’s stocked with all the supplies they’ll need to be productive.

Students:

Finish your homework faster by working smarter and not harder! Follow these simple ideas:

• Keep a school agenda where you write down deadlines, assignments, and all other relevant information to help you stay on top of the game. Keep your agenda up-to-date and check it daily!

• Do your homework at your most productive time of the day. Do you need to have a snack and take a 30-minute nap before tackling your homework? Or you rather be done with it as soon as possible? Commit to working on your homework once your break is over.

• Gather everything you’ll need before you start working on your homework.

• Know exactly what the homework is about and what you need to do before starting in order to minimize interruptions.

• Your backpack should be ready the night before to avoid delays in the morning. Make sure to replace school supplies as needed.

Some planning beforehand will ensure a happy school year!

For help organizing your home schedule, contact Organizing Concepts at www.organizingconceptstx.com now!