School Year Success

Everything we do with our kids is to prepare them for adulthood—I know if you have a little one, that’s hard to think about, but it’s true. 

And school, whether you homeschool or go the traditional route, is a tool for preparing them for adulthood. 

Here are some things you can do to get them in the school mode and to get them prepared for what the school year will bring. 

Realize every child is different. You might have one that literally attacks school and loves everything about it and one that literally hates it. It’s hard to anticipate every reaction, but by the time your child is five or six, you know what to expect so plan accordingly. 

Just because a child dislikes something doesn’t mean they shouldn’t participate in it. 

At camp, I call it “forced fun.” Sometimes a child doesn’t like something at first, but then they like it after they have adjusted to it. 

Keep all that in mind as we look at some tips for back to school SUCCESS.  All of these start with an S so hopefully they will be easy to remember. 

1. Screen time. We can all agree that screens are here to stay so we have to make sure they don’t interfere with relationships, family time and school work. Set a schedule that allows some screen time, but be consistent and ask that all screens are put away when that time is up. Since we’ve been in the “screen” world now for many years, I have witnessed teens and young adults whose lives revolve around their screen. Unless they are preaching or supporting their family with it, it’s time to limit the screen time. 
2. School is their job! Let kids them know this is their job for now. Talk about how mom and dad goes to work and kids go to school. Establish that you expect them to do their best at school just like your employer expects you to do your best. Not perfect, but your best. 
3. Sleep matters: Talk about bedtime and why sleep is important. But, remember sometimes kids have to learn the hard way. If you’ve got a pre-teen who thinks they can carry on with five hours of sleep, you might have to let them see how that works or doesn’t work. If your children are young, it’s time to teach them healthy habits about sleep. Of course, there are always exceptions as your kids get older and involved in activities.
4. Set goals: Help your kids set realistic schoolyear goals. A family dinner discussion of goals for the school year is a great conversation for any family. You might want to use some fun techniques, like having your children might goal posters and putting them up in their room. 

5. Schedules work: Have a discussion about planning and how planning makes life easier. Encourage your kids (notice, encourage them so you don’t have to do it) to lay out their clothes the night before so the morning routine isn’t so hectic for anyone. Over time, they will see how this idea works for them. Let them pick out a calendar or planner to write their activities and homework down. Most elementary kids love planning, as if they are at work, so capitalize on that and let them help with their schedule. Then, create a family calendar so everyone can see what is going on. This helps kids have a realistic view of our job as a mom too. 
6. Seek God: Don’t forget the most important thing. Even though we put it last on our list, it’s our number one priority. Keep God first in all you do. Read a scripture just before they go out the door or text them one to start their day off right. 

From our Rocking It family to yours, HAPPY SCHOOLING!