As the school year begins, consider this checklist for working with your school-age children.
1. Chores. Give kids doable, significant chores. Expect those chores be done on time and as completely as possible.
2. Backpacks. Kids can pack, unpack and repack their own backpacks if you show them when, where and how you want it done. It’s a good beginning to teach responsibility for their ‘work’, school.
3. Good eats. Provide a nutritious breakfast to give your kids a great start to their day. Help them pack their own lunches with the hope they will eat what goes into the lunch box if they help prepare and pack it. Remember healthy snacks for after school!
4. Reading. Read with and to your kids to foster a love of books and ideas. Mix fiction and non-fiction, adventure and poetry, chapter books and reference materials to grow a rounded reader.
5. Homework. Provide a homework space, a backpack place and quiet time for family work on quiet projects. (See the Educating America book for the chapter written to parents outlining details on setting up your kid’s homework needs.)
6. Downtime. Remember to allow free time for your kids. They need time to relax, select their own activities (playing with friends, doing puzzles, drawing, etc.). Sports and other activities are great, but downtime is also important.
7. Communicate. Take the time to listen as kids talk about school: what went well, what help they want from you, problems they’re dealing with such as bullying or not understanding a school task. Use good eye contact and encorage them to find solutions for their problems to foster their independence and ability to rely on themselves.
Your ideas?
What can you add to thsi short list? Send me your suggestions. We’re the village that care about kids and we need to share our good ideas.