The laid-back days of summer are drawing to a close and the first day of school is quickly approaching. Days spent lounging at the beach and sleeping in late will soon be replaced by screeching alarm clocks, homework and after-school activities. The start of a new school year can be stressful for the entire family.
The good news is, with a bit of planning, it actually is possible to avoid the chaos that causes stress during the school year. We spoke with Lisa Hillman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Manalapan, who works with New Jersey children and their families year round. Ms. Hillman offers some helpful tips for making this upcoming school year a great one for you and your kids.
1. Set a Routine
Establish a clear schedule and family routine. According to Hillman, one of the biggest causes of stress for families is lack of structure and consistency. “Kids thrive on structure,” she says. “They tend to do well in a classroom setting because they know what is coming next and they know what is expected of them.” Hillman suggests maintaining a consistent schedule at home as well. Most kids do best if they complete their homework soon after coming home. Set them up with a healthy snack and get homework out of the way so that the entire family can enjoy the rest of the evening together.
2. Create Space
Choose a central location in your house to set up a designated workspace for your kids. According to Hillman, “Don’t hover, but be available to help if necessary.” Be sure to stock up on supplies, such as pencils, glue sticks and scissors, so that kids have everything they need to be successful.
3. Be Consistent
Ms. Hillman also recommends letting your kids “earn privileges.” Play dates, activities and electronic time should be contingent on kids completing their homework. Be consistent and more importantly, don’t argue with them. Once kids realize homework is non-negotiable, they will be more likely to buckle down and finish it quickly.
4. Get Organized
4. Get OrganizedLife is much less stressful when kids can manage their own schoolwork. Of course, this can be tough for a lot of children, especially those making the transition from elementary to middle school. If your child is really struggling, consider seeking professional help. Ivy Educational Services, with locations in Bernardsville and Fanwood, offers a program to help kids develop necessary organizational and study skills.
5. Don’t Overschedule
Kids love to try out new activities, but constantly being on the run after school can have its drawbacks. Ask your children to pick one or two favorites each season or shoot for sports or activities that don’t involve multiple practices and games. The Monmouth County Park System offers plenty of options with art, sports and cooking classes that meet just once a week. Check your local recreation department or park system to see what is available.
6. Stay Active
Make sure your kids are getting enough exercise. According to Hillman, it’s okay for parents to insist on kids taking part in a physical activity. Allow your kids to choose from activities that you, as a parent, approve of. She maintains that it’s important for kids to “get their energy out,” and taking part in a physical activity reduces stress and helps kids focus.
7. Get Enough Rest
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children ages 6-12 get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep at night. They suggest between 8 and 10 hours for teenagers. Research has shown that adequate sleep leads to improved attention, behavior and memory, as well as overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can result in several problems, including obesity and depression. In addition, the AAP recommends that all screens be turned off 30 minutes before bedtime to help kids fall asleep easier.
8. Start the Day off Right
There is nothing more stressful than searching for a matching pair of socks or a lost shoe in the morning. Before the kids head to bed, make sure their clothes are picked out and their backpacks packed and ready to go. In addition, make sure everyone has a healthy breakfast. If getting your kids to sit down in the morning is tough, be sure to have some grab-and-go options available. Healthy granola bars and fruit are great choices. When kids have a calm morning, it’s much more likely that the rest of their day will go smoothly.
9. Make Time for Family
Schedules can get hectic but try to make time for family during the week. Hillman emphasizes that families simply don’t spend enough quality time together during the school year. It’s okay to carve out some family time by turning down birthday party invitations and play dates. A little downtime together can keep family members close and help everyone re-energize.
10. Offer Support
Finally, according to Hillman, it’s important to validate your kid’s feelings. Returning to school after a relaxing summer break can be a big transition for kids. Understand that there will be an adjustment period for them. By validating their feelings, they will be more likely to let you help them navigate the changes that the upcoming school year will bring.
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