Whether you have been back in school for 2 weeks or start in 2 weeks, it is never too late to begin the school year out on the right foot! Every school year offers the promise of a clean slate and a new beginning. Below are 5 tips that help make this school year this best yet!

1.  1.  Talk to your children about setting small attainable goals or intentions for the school year. Achieving smaller goals will help them gain confidence, want to learn, and feel confident setting and working towards their next goal.
2. 2.  Create or update your tween/teen’s smart phone contract and screen time rules. Determine what works best for your family and will keep your children safe. Check out our technology tips for starting the school year positively and safely! 
3. 3.  Go through and discuss their schedules, household responsibilities, and your expectations. What is the morning routine? Wake up time, make their beds, feed the dog, time that you leave your home for school. Let them be a part of the household responsibilities such as keeping their rooms straight, taking out the garbage, learning to do their own laundry. These help them feel included and gain appreciation for their home. They are also learning life skills that will benefit them as they mature. Discuss and adjust together as the school year kicks in. 
4. 4.  Reduce stress by taking your child to visit their school if it is a new school or environment. If possible, set up play dates for your younger children or find a time for your rising high schooler to meet a classmate prior to the start of school.
5. 5.  Sleep! Brain research shows that sleep is essential to brain development. According to Johns Hopkins, “Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.” 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Infants under 1 year: 12-16 hours
• Children 1-2 years old: 11-14 hours
• Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours
• Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours

Extra Credit – A good, strong cup of coffee for you!

 – Mary

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Books for ages 7 – 12