A New School Year – Are You Ready?

Do you know people who over-commit their time and energy? Sure you do. I just have to look in the mirror! You probably can’t imagine how the Baby Boomers organized their time before we had cell phones, laptops and iPads? Being busy has become a status symbol. As we make a change from summer and vacation to a new school year beginning at Twin Parks Montessori Schools we all have to make adjustments in our sleep and active schedules. Also, take care in making promises you may not be able to keep.

Prepare your children for any upcoming event by talking about it beforehand, whether it is starting school, a shopping trip, a visit with friends, or travel out of town. Explanations can be brief with opportunities for your child to ask questions if your child wants to know more. Always leave extra time to get ready so everyone is not rushed. Be aware that constantly changing plans or making last minute decisions will increase the potential for stress. Also, take care in making promises you may not be able to keep.

Children crave routine and consistency. While a new routine is being established, it is important to be consistent with mealtimes and bedtimes as much as possible. Before leaving the house to go in the morning, make sure everyone has a substantial breakfast – including parents. Also, carry small healthy snacks and bottled water along with you.

Slow down next week and spend time at home with your children. Rest and relaxation before a schedule change is paramount to a successful transition. We are all able to handle new things when our minds and bodies are well rested and nourished. Take walks with your family. Walk past your child’s school to see how long it takes. Some parents work on getting back on a school schedule for meals, rest and bedtime a few weeks before the school year begins.

Remember to Play! Build with blocks, have a tea party under a sheet-covered table, have a pajama party. Sing in the car, at home, or any time at all. Reading to your child and singing songs are two fantastic ways that you can promote early literacy. Take walks in the parks to find hidden nooks and crannies to play hide and go seek. These intimate times with your children will have lasting benefits and create memories that can carry on to the next generation. After all, your greatest gift to your child is you – your time and your undivided attention.

Be proactive– read emails that come from your children’s schools to know what to expect the first days of school. There will be shortened schedules with new children phasing in to school slowly. Infant and toddlers will have a home visit. Mention the teachers’ names in conversation. Look for a picture of the teaching team to come before the first day of school. If this is the first time your child is attending, come to the Separation workshop on September 4^th at 9:00 at our Riverside campus (202 Riverside Drive). And most of all attend the Parent Orientation to your child’s classroom on September 5^th. You will meet the teachers and other parents. This is the perfect opportunity to build relationships within your child’s school community.