8-28-14

“It’s time to buckle down and get on schedule again! School’s right around the corner.” Sounds familiar? It should. Every parent at this point in time is trying to wind down from this shortened summer vacation, and with little time to spare, get shopping in for clothes, school supplies, backpacks, healthy lunches and snacks for the kids to bring to school, while trying to maintain sanity and keep a positive outlook that school buses will run on schedule and they will get to work on time without any drawbacks!!!. WHEW!!! Remember, we’re not done yet. You mean there’s more? Several important steps have to take place to get us to that first opening day of school.

First, bedtime routine has to be reintroduced so the child can receive his/her full night’s sleep and be able to wake up on time, especially, on the first day of school. Remember the golden rule, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a child chipper, calmer and wise.” Early bedtime will allow for a less stressful and nerve wrenching morning.

Second, each child should help pick out his/her own clothing and shoes the night before. This helps give quality time between parent and child while allowing the child to feel like he/she is part of the “routine” for the special day, especially if entering “The BIG K.” A child should be given a little responsibility in being allowed to express his likes or dislikes for breakfast selections. This might actually help make things move a little quicker each morning and help the child in picking healthy foods to “fuel his/her energy” for the day. Allowing the child to help prepare his own personal lunch will give each parent additional quality time and open the lines of communication each day. The pattern you set at the beginning should be followed and enjoyed on a daily basis.

Third, you must be the person of authority and follow each directive and statement you make! Each child must understand that as a family everyone must help do their share and cooperate in order for there to be total harmonious coexistence. The plan will work if you do not deviate from your expectations. A child should only have to be told once what you expect from him/her. Give him/her a time frame that will be workable both morning and evening.
This may sound like a tall order, but miraculously families do manage to get it done and are rather relieved when the first day is over.

Make each day a new and positive experience for your child. It will definitely pay off in the end.