This time of year I miss the “smell” of school! There is just something inside of me that enjoys the back to school smell of freshly waxed floors and squeaky clean classrooms, ready to be brought back to life. I am enjoying my retirement, but I do miss getting ready to meet and greet a new classroom of children. I am glad that I can still sub once and awhile to give me that “teaching” fix.
I am thinking about kids getting ready for school. I have talked to several in the last couple weeks that are ready and waiting for that first day to come. Of course there are others that want the summer vacation to just keep on going. Parents, probably not. There is something about school being in session that brings a structure and a little more organization to the schedule. Although the slower pace of summer and less deadlines to meet is enjoyable too.
I would like to encourage the parents who will be sending kids to school this year. Parenting is a tough job. One that demands patience sometimes beyond what you think you can give. As you get ready for this new school year, I would encourage you to do a few things up front to help your family communicate in a smoother way. It will not only help you at home, but it will give your student a calmer time at school too.
Turn off the media and sit down together each evening sometime before bedtime. Look at each other. Talk to each other. Have some “downtime” before everyone lays down to sleep.
Eat as many meals together as possible, sitting around the table without phones or TV. When I was teaching and my students came to my house for an overnight visit as third graders, we ate meals together around the table. There was laughter, good hearted fun, and lots of conversation. What was interesting to me was that some of them told me they very seldom ate at a table with their family. I would encourage you to change that habit if you haven’t been accustomed to doing it. You will be surprised by what you learn about your kids and in turn what you can share with them.
Before the family disperses out into the world in the mornings, try to have a time when you can all share with each other. A hug, a smile, a kind word spoken to each other, and a gentle good bye, will remain with your kids all day. It will encourage them throughout the day.
Homework can be such a burden sometimes. It usually can be an easier part of the evening if a planned time and place is set aside for the kids to work on it. Once a routine is set, it should become easier for the kids to tackle it and finish in an appropriate way. Encourage your older kids to help tutor the younger ones, giving siblings some together time and usually fostering a closer relationship with each other.
Share the chores of the household. The load becomes lighter when everyone does a part. Yes, this does affect school, believe it or not. Kids who have some designated chores, and parents who are relieved of some of the duties that kids can help with, together have less stress within their household. And it teaches kids that they have responsibilities within their family too. It carries over into the school day when tasks are assigned and those students who are used to helping at home will understand better about doing their part. Even toddlers can help with little chores like folding socks or picking up their toys, etc. This paves the way for them to do bigger and more helpful chores as they grow and age.
Time. It is what most of us want from each other. Whether little people, teens or grownups. The more time we spend with each other within our families, without media taking away our focus, can only bless us and our kids as a family. Those blessings will spill out into helping us be calmer and more prepared to meet the world outside of our home, including those days at school.
Happy school year to all of you as September approaches!
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