Kids love the sense of accomplishment of beginning the school year as a new (fill in the blank) grader. Us parents just feel old! I can't believe that I have a 5th grade daughter and a 2nd grade son this year! Thinking about our kids experience from last year, I want to offer 3 ways to make this year at school the best one ever!
1. A Healthy Start: It is so important for our kids to begin the day feeling ready to tackle the day ahead. For us, this means begins the night before by getting our kids to bed on time. During the summer months, it is easy to get off of a normal routine with the late sunsets and various summer activities and trips, but during the school year, a regular bed time is important. We try to make sure our kids are getting at least nine and a half hours of sleep each night. We also want to make sure that they are eating a healthy breakfast that will give them energy and focus throughout the day. Finally, the walk to the bus stop gives them a little exercise to help them wake up and feel more alert.
2. Study Ahead and Review: As much as possible, it is important in the early days of the school year to try to make sure the kids develop a consistent balance of looking ahead at upcoming assignments as well as reviewing some of the things that they learned last year. Since there is generally not a lot of assignments the first couple of weeks of school, this is a good time to create a habit of developing a study time after school (or extra-curricular activities). We are going to strive to look ahead at upcoming projects and assignments to begin preparing and studying for. In addition, we bought some review workbooks that our kids worked on intermittently during the summer. While not going overboard, it will help them with their confidence if they take a little time to continue to review each day after school until the intensity of homework picks up.
3. Get Involved! We all have a busy schedule and many things on our plates, but being involved in your kids activities and school related programs is an important part of making school a successful and enjoyable experience. Not everyone has the ability to be a "room mom" or go on every field trip, but as much as possible, carve out some time to attend school activities, class events, special trips, and after school volunteer opportunities. By doing so, you communicate to your children that this is not only something you think they should care about, but that it is important to you as well.
Finally, remember that no one is perfect. If you and your kids want to enjoy school this year, get rid of the guilt. You can't do it all, and neither can your kids. Not every test, project, or paper will be perfect and neither will any of the activities that you "co-chair" or participate in. Learn to roll with it. Laugh at the funny moments. Cry in the sorrows and losses. Persevere through the difficulties. Celebrate the accomplishments and the victories! You will only get this year in you and your kids lives once, so make the most of it!
Warren is the lead pastor of Essential Church in Bellevue, WA. He has been married to his wife Leah for the past 16 years and has two children who keep them on their toes. His family is far from perfect, but never boring! Read more of his thoughts on life, family, sports and church here.