Not sure what is needed for this school season?
Mealtime, Bedtime routine, Organize paperwork, Plan time for family or … Deal with Squabbling: Look for a pattern. Your kids are fighting; try to identify a common thread/situation. “Do they typically fight over one thing, the computer, or choice of TV shows? If so schedule computer or TV use. Do they always fight while you’re making dinner? You could enlist their help in preparing the meal, feed them a healthy snack, or have a routine activity planned during that time, such as homework or chores. The idea here is to identify the “hot spots” between your children and create a plan to prevent the problem from continually causing arguments.” Think simple. “Kids will fight longer, louder and with more enthusiasm when they have an audience!” “Usually it’s because they hope you’ll step in and solve the problem. Therefore, it stands to reason that if you leave the room, they will have to solve the problem themselves. A large amount of verbal battles will fizzle out without a parent’s interference.”
Parents generally control what their little ones eat, but as children grow—and attend school, visit friends’ houses, and even buy their own food—parents exercise less control. That’s why it’s important to teach kids to make good choices when it comes to what they eat away from home. We asked some experts for advice on how to instill healthful eating habits in kids. Here’s what they recommend:
Balance is Key- Cover the basics- a healthy “you!” will help you maintain a… work and personal life balance…A Passport To Success!
Whatever you put in your backpack, make sure you pack it the night before or ahead of time. This prevents the morning panic when you can’t find your homework or lunch box. Do they get too much junk-it-food and not enough good-for-them foods?
It Starts with Breakfast – Breakfast and lunch is your kid’s/our favorite subjects? Help your child make healthy choices that will give her/him energy for the rest of the day. Choices away from home come from home!
Feeling good and prepared with all the supplies you need, yet!?
Some schools distribute supply lists and some supply items:
Kindergarten to grade 3
Glue stick, Clear tape, Plain-printer paper, Lined paper, Notebook, Tissue, Pencils
Crayons, Markers, Colored pencils, Pencil case, Backpack, Lunch bag, Clothing
Grade 4 – 10
Lined paper, Pencil case, Blue pens, Eraser
Binders: 2 or 3 with multi-subject dividers and pockets
Markers, Pencils, lead, sharpener, Calculator, Ruler, Paper reinforcements, Combination lock, Agenda/calendar
Backpack (wheels may lighten the load)
Lunch bag, Clothing
A quick list for everyone… for a better shopping experience!
Write a few notes to yourself, so you’ll remember the important stuff, like your locker combination and that lunch starts at 11:43, not 12:10.
Here are a few tips for a fantastic first day: Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast. Try your best. Develop good work habits on time. Take your time with work. If you don’t understand something, ask! Keep a sense of humor. This usually makes a good way to remind us that this is just reality! Pay close attention.