School Begins

The end of summer marks the beginning of school for many. Kids who have had a summer free to explore there world without the structure of school are back to schedules and schoolwork. Parents are back to checking homework, chauffering, keeping track of schedules, getting up early, busy mornings, and more. Here are some tips to make those days a bit easier:

1. Keep a calendar in a central place is your home. Color code it for each person in the family. Have each person update it with their own activities. Check regularly for conflicts, etc.

2. Each child should have a space where homework is completed. Set a time when homework is to be worked on each day. This is a time when you or another parent is available to help with their homework, if necessary. When my daughter was in elementary school I would have her read during her homework time if the school hadn't sent home any homework.
3. Place a basket or a box or something near the calendar where the kids can put all paperwork from school that needs to be looked at, signed, etc. That way it won't get lost. Get them in the habit of placing papers there daily by asking every day, "Do you have any papers I need to look at?"
4. Chores - every child needs chores. Give them a list and let them choose which chores they want to take responsibility for. And let them know that they don't do any extracurricular activity until the chore is completed.
5. Eat dinner together at least 3 - 4 times a week with no television. Talk to each other and enjoy each other.
6. Plan a family activity at least once/month. And enjoy each other. Rake the yard together, go to a community fair together, go to garage sales. Check out www.macaronikid.com for ideas.

Make your home a place where you have fun, relax, work and enjoy the space you have created for your family. Make it a great school year.