Posted by Greenpark on August 15 / 2019
- Shop for school supplies together
Shopping for new school supplies can be a great way to get kids excited about heading back to class. Some teachers will send out a list of supplies that students need, so you might want to consider sticking to the basics until you know exactly what will be required. - Get your child’s annual check up
Especially for younger students, school and germs go hand-in-hand. Make sure that everyone has had their annual check-up before heading back to class. Also try to include a trip to optometrist to ensure that if any glasses or contacts are necessary, they are ready for the first day of classes. Starting the year off in tip-top shape sets students up for a successful and healthy year. - Plan ahead for meals throughout the week
Between school, work, extra-curricular activities and homework, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to cooking healthy and delicious meals for your family. Planning out your meals for the week ahead makes it easier to keep track of the grocery items, prep time needed in the kitchen, and what nights might be good for a take-out. Plan ahead by making your lists in advance of a new week! Making a list can also help you cut costs by only buying food that you know you’ll use, and will help reduce the amount of food that gets wasted. - Develop a consistent sleep schedule
After a summer of later-than-normal nights and lazy, lounging-around mornings, getting back into the routine of going to sleep. Waking up early will be a transition for most kids, you may encounter some challenges, but with consistency, they’ll fall back into the new schedule once those early mornings kick in. Try getting back into a good bedtime and morning routine about a week (maybe even two weeks!) before school starts. - Keep a family calendar
Keeping track of everyone’s schedules in a busy home can be stressful. Having one large calendar that the whole family can use will help to keep everyone in the loop about what everyone else is doing, and will help prevent double-booking your time. Get the kids involved so they can learn to manage their time and schedules from an early age. You can also use a shared digital calendar that is accessible on phones and computers for ease and convenience. - Make a quiet study space
When school work starts flowing in steadily throughout the year, it’s important that students have a quiet study space that is void of distractions so that they can focus on their homework. Set aside a space in the house where your child can work comfortably without having to worry about distractions like their toys, electronic devices or the TV. It’s also important for the parent(s) to hold off on using electronics during this time. Kids often mimic their parents so perhaps this is a good time to read your favourite novel and put the cell phone away. - Keep them moving
While your family will probably crave some quiet time in front of the TV when they get home after a long day, it is important that students burn off extra energy by being active. Students who are more active and exercise regularly are able to better focus during lessons. Encourage your kids to spend some time playing outside or sign them up for an extra-curricular to keep them moving. - Develop a solid after school routine
Having a consistent routine can help children who are prone to feeling nervous or have a hard time focusing. Developing a solid routine for the evenings after school can be especially helpful in eliminating confusion during the first few weeks back-to-school. Children will know what to expect on a daily basis and establish good habits like taking a snack break when they first get home and reviewing homework and notes immediately afterwards. Encourage routines that can help to instill positive behavioural patterns that will stick with them in the future. - Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers
Always keep in mind that your children’s teachers are on your side! If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your child’s well-being at school, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, principals or the school’s administration. They are there to help and will most-likely be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
At Greenpark, we build homes that your family can thrive in. We believe that children are the future, so we want to nurture them and prepare them for success as much as possible. We hope that these tips can help in building good habits and behaviours and helping future generations to be as successful as can be.
Have a great school year everyone!
Greenpark is offering new homes in Oakville, Brampton, East Gwillimbury and Vaughan. Visit our website for more information.