Back to school can be a chaotic time for many families. New schools, transitions, activities and school schedules can add up to lots of stress for overloaded families. Create a back to school schedule to reduce family stress and maintain everyone’s sanity.
How to Create a Back to School Schedule
Get Your Family Organized
A few weeks before school starts, begin getting some structured routines in place such as going to bed and getting up earlier.
Create set routines. Plot out times for homework, bath, recreational and after dinner routines, such as picking out their outfit for the next day, packing lunch and organizing their backpacks.
Make a designated study space for each child. Ensure a distraction free place for homework so that they can focus. Be sure you’re available for questions if needed.
How to Plan Your Family Schedule
The key to family scheduling is to simplify. Some families stick with a one extra curricular activity per-week rule. Many families consolidate errands on the same day, if possible.
Plan your meals ahead of time. The weekend is a great time to do this. Get your  list together and go shopping, then get some of the prep work done. This eliminates last minute stops for quick convenience food.
Create a family calendar to keep everyone in the loop. This should be a shared calendar that’s accessible by everyone. You might want to use a combination of a physical calendar in the kitchen and an electronic calendar that can be accessed on everyone’s phone.
Positive Back to School Communication Strategies
Instead of yelling “Get out of bed right now!”
Give children choices
“Do you want to get out of bed in 5 minutes or 10 minutes?”
Problem solve with them
“It seems that we are having trouble with our morning routine. I feel like I am yelling a lot and we are always rushed to get to the bus. Do you have some ideas on how we can have calmer mornings?
Give information in advance
“Good Morning! Breakfast will be served in a half hour. Can’t wait to see you there!
Focus on the positive
“Hey, I think I see one eye open, and there is a foot over the side of the bed- looks like you have a good start on getting out of bed!”
Instead of “ How many times did I tell you to brush your teeth”
1. Give children choices
“Do you want the Barney or the Barbie toothpaste?”
2. Problem solve with them
“You seem to be having some trouble remembering to brush your teeth. What ideas can we come up with so that it is easier for you?”
3. Let them know what’s expected
“The dentist’s rule is: teeth need to be brushed in the morning and at night.”
4. Lighten things up with humor
“Hey germs in there, you don’t stand a chance, Mikey an I are going in right now after you!”
Parents have found that using these tactics helps kids listen and cooperate and settle back into their schedule for the new year. The major benefit: we are calmer because we are yelling less. Respectful communication techniques like the ones outlined above are sure to bring more peace to your home.
References:
Faber, Adele and Elaine Mazlish. How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, Avon Books, 1980