Sometimes a nice break is just what we need to refresh. Sometimes it is just what our kids need also. Rest the brain and body. Get some extra sleep. Play more, work less, enjoy fellowship of family and friends. These are all good things for adults and children alike. However, we all must get back to our routines at some point. We were fortunate this year to ease back into our routines with just two days last week. This first full week back will be a bit easier because of that!
Helping your child re-establish routines that may have been second nature just 3 short weeks ago can seem challenging at first, but if you are consistent, they will re-adapt quickly. Stick to a specific bedtime. Let them know when it is and don't bend on this. The expectation is there and it is important to stick to it. Eat a healthy breakfast each day. This will fuel your child for a full day of school ahead. They won't be as tired or groggy after a healthy breakfast. Make sure all of the gifts and toys from Christmas are put away. Sounds simple, but after school, homework should come before playing. If toys and games are still lying around from Christmas, they will fight you on homework. If they are put away out of sight, you can get homework done quickly and then have them choose a toy to play. Keep TV time to a minimum. You children probably watched extra TV over vacation, but time to cut back again. Time is limited during a school week. It should be spent on homework, reading and playing. Too much TV or Video Game time is not good for kids. Playing puzzles, blocks, games and toys that require conversation, imagination, and thinking skills are much better for them.
Take out clothes the night before and pack up lunches the night before too. Maybe you already do this, but it's a good reminder and will cut down on preparation time in the morning. Have your child help you pack up their backpack. This will teach them responsibility. It is their backpack and they should make sure they have everything they need for school.
I hope some of these tips will help you get back into the swing. I am happy to be back and it was so nice to get so many hugs from the children last week. Please remember to keep gloves/mittens and a hat in your child's backpack. We do go outside whenever possible and sometimes it is chilly!
Thank you and Happy January! God Bless!
Helping your child re-establish routines that may have been second nature just 3 short weeks ago can seem challenging at first, but if you are consistent, they will re-adapt quickly. Stick to a specific bedtime. Let them know when it is and don't bend on this. The expectation is there and it is important to stick to it. Eat a healthy breakfast each day. This will fuel your child for a full day of school ahead. They won't be as tired or groggy after a healthy breakfast. Make sure all of the gifts and toys from Christmas are put away. Sounds simple, but after school, homework should come before playing. If toys and games are still lying around from Christmas, they will fight you on homework. If they are put away out of sight, you can get homework done quickly and then have them choose a toy to play. Keep TV time to a minimum. You children probably watched extra TV over vacation, but time to cut back again. Time is limited during a school week. It should be spent on homework, reading and playing. Too much TV or Video Game time is not good for kids. Playing puzzles, blocks, games and toys that require conversation, imagination, and thinking skills are much better for them.
Take out clothes the night before and pack up lunches the night before too. Maybe you already do this, but it's a good reminder and will cut down on preparation time in the morning. Have your child help you pack up their backpack. This will teach them responsibility. It is their backpack and they should make sure they have everything they need for school.
I hope some of these tips will help you get back into the swing. I am happy to be back and it was so nice to get so many hugs from the children last week. Please remember to keep gloves/mittens and a hat in your child's backpack. We do go outside whenever possible and sometimes it is chilly!
Thank you and Happy January! God Bless!