If I say running a household smoothly is not rocket science, I’d be lying. Who said it was easy trying to get a tiny human being into his school uniform while scrambling to pack his lunch? Well, let me just beg to disagree while I have my daily caffeine fill.
If, at times, we adults still find ourselves overwhelmed by responsibilities, imagine how kids feel juggling school tasks and personal interests during post-school afternoons. Here are the don’ts－dropping labels, ditching routines, etc.－to help your kids have a successful school year.
1. Don’t forget to get everything your kid needs.
Being a student isn’t just about showing up to class every single day. There’s the matter of getting all the school supplies you’ll need to keep up with the classroom activities and homework. Now I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten all the basics－backpack, notebooks, pencils, lunch box, drink bottle－covered. Still, I suggest checking in with your child’s teacher about any other requirements that weren’t included in your shopping list.
A library bag could be one of the requirements you might have forgotten to purchase. Libraries usually require students to use library bags in storing and protecting borrowed books. Get your kid one that’s personalised or choose from the range of fun styles and colours available in stores.
Another thing that’s not on every parent’s school shopping list is name labels for kids. I can personally attest to name labels being reliable in keeping my kid’s stuff together. With the various label designs and colours available in the market, it’s easier to personalise those school supplies. I usually stick one on each of my kid’s notebooks, exercise books, lunch box, and drink bottle. Just make sure to purchase waterproof labels especially if you’re sticking them on things that get dumped in the dishwasher.
2. Don’t skimp on getting your home organised.
Chaos could still slip in between the set structures and routines that are meant to help you and your kid breeze through each school day. Now don’t fret just yet. While you can’t really be immune to time wasters and stress, you can try keeping them at a distance. One way to do this is by getting your home in order.
Your house is still where your little-kid-slash-student begins and ends his day. Master organising the space you share, and you just might keep everything organised for the entire school year. For example, a tidy and well-placed homework station could keep your child from getting distracted while he’s getting homework done on time. Help him stay on top of things by displaying visual charts of tasks he’s supposed to complete for the day. Label every storage space so your child would know which school supply goes where.
3. Don’t pass up the chance to set clear rules and routines.
Imagine not having to remind your kid to get dressed or brush their teeth every single day. Imagine post-school afternoons where homework is done before toys are taken out. Imagine kids who have no problem getting up early because they slept early the night before.
It’s easy to dismiss rules and routines as boring and restricting, but they can actually help make your job of running your household a lot easier. Unlike random activities and responsibilities, a set of expectations could lessen power struggles between you and your child. They’re less likely to feel that you’re the bad guy forcing them to do less appealing things.
Rules and routines help you get things out of the way and leave you enough time and mental energy to finish top priorities or do what you actually enjoy doing. At your child’s homework station, display your family’s daily schedule. Use kids name stickers and other visual aids to help your young one understand who’s responsible for which task. Eventually, he will complete his homework or go to bed on time even without your reminder.
4. Don’t dismiss worries and concerns.
Let’s be honest here, Mum. It’s tempting to ignore our kids’ fears and concerns about going to school, believing them to be nothing compared to our own ‘life crises’. However, telling children ‘not to worry because everything will be fine’ is actually far from reassuring.
Rather than being dismissive, listen to your child and acknowledge his feelings. Actively hearing your child out can help him feel more secure and confident. Just remember that your kid may just need to vent his emotions and doesn’t really need your help fixing whatever’s making him upset. Although if he asks for it, the two of you can work out how to handle his concerns－whether they’re about his classes or his group of friends.
Each school year presents an opportunity to start over, make new friends, and learn something new. Don’t forget to remind your kid that they’ll always have the potential to make this year the best year yet.
If, at times, we adults still find ourselves overwhelmed by responsibilities, imagine how kids feel juggling school tasks and personal interests during post-school afternoons. Here are the don’ts－dropping labels, ditching routines, etc.－to help your kids have a successful school year.
1. Don’t forget to get everything your kid needs.
Being a student isn’t just about showing up to class every single day. There’s the matter of getting all the school supplies you’ll need to keep up with the classroom activities and homework. Now I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten all the basics－backpack, notebooks, pencils, lunch box, drink bottle－covered. Still, I suggest checking in with your child’s teacher about any other requirements that weren’t included in your shopping list.
A library bag could be one of the requirements you might have forgotten to purchase. Libraries usually require students to use library bags in storing and protecting borrowed books. Get your kid one that’s personalised or choose from the range of fun styles and colours available in stores.
Another thing that’s not on every parent’s school shopping list is name labels for kids. I can personally attest to name labels being reliable in keeping my kid’s stuff together. With the various label designs and colours available in the market, it’s easier to personalise those school supplies. I usually stick one on each of my kid’s notebooks, exercise books, lunch box, and drink bottle. Just make sure to purchase waterproof labels especially if you’re sticking them on things that get dumped in the dishwasher.
2. Don’t skimp on getting your home organised.
Chaos could still slip in between the set structures and routines that are meant to help you and your kid breeze through each school day. Now don’t fret just yet. While you can’t really be immune to time wasters and stress, you can try keeping them at a distance. One way to do this is by getting your home in order.
Your house is still where your little-kid-slash-student begins and ends his day. Master organising the space you share, and you just might keep everything organised for the entire school year. For example, a tidy and well-placed homework station could keep your child from getting distracted while he’s getting homework done on time. Help him stay on top of things by displaying visual charts of tasks he’s supposed to complete for the day. Label every storage space so your child would know which school supply goes where.
3. Don’t pass up the chance to set clear rules and routines.
Imagine not having to remind your kid to get dressed or brush their teeth every single day. Imagine post-school afternoons where homework is done before toys are taken out. Imagine kids who have no problem getting up early because they slept early the night before.
It’s easy to dismiss rules and routines as boring and restricting, but they can actually help make your job of running your household a lot easier. Unlike random activities and responsibilities, a set of expectations could lessen power struggles between you and your child. They’re less likely to feel that you’re the bad guy forcing them to do less appealing things.
Rules and routines help you get things out of the way and leave you enough time and mental energy to finish top priorities or do what you actually enjoy doing. At your child’s homework station, display your family’s daily schedule. Use kids name stickers and other visual aids to help your young one understand who’s responsible for which task. Eventually, he will complete his homework or go to bed on time even without your reminder.
4. Don’t dismiss worries and concerns.
Let’s be honest here, Mum. It’s tempting to ignore our kids’ fears and concerns about going to school, believing them to be nothing compared to our own ‘life crises’. However, telling children ‘not to worry because everything will be fine’ is actually far from reassuring.
Rather than being dismissive, listen to your child and acknowledge his feelings. Actively hearing your child out can help him feel more secure and confident. Just remember that your kid may just need to vent his emotions and doesn’t really need your help fixing whatever’s making him upset. Although if he asks for it, the two of you can work out how to handle his concerns－whether they’re about his classes or his group of friends.
Each school year presents an opportunity to start over, make new friends, and learn something new. Don’t forget to remind your kid that they’ll always have the potential to make this year the best year yet.
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