| It doesn't matter whether you are sending your | | | | what's on their mind, but many children internalize |
| child off to college for the first time, or your two | | | | their experiences and feelings. Learn to ask them |
| year old is starting a two-day preschool program, | | | | open ended questions instead of closed ended |
| a new school year is just around the corner. | | | | questions like "How was school?" Questions that |
| Some children love school, while others dread it. | | | | can be easily answered with yes, no or fine don't |
| Growing up, I was one of those weird kids that | | | | allow us to get inside our child's world. Keep |
| loved school. Every year at about this time, my | | | | yourself emotionally available and non-judgmental |
| mother would take me school shopping for new | | | | so your children feel comfortable sharing. I've |
| clothes and school supplies. I don't know if it was | | | | always found children are more prone to share at |
| the shopping I loved, or the anticipation of a new | | | | bedtime and during active playtime. |
| school year. | | | | Stay Tuned In to Your Child's Interests and |
| In my own home growing up and in our family | | | | Talents |
| today, we take our education seriously. Although | | | | Every child is unique. While some thrive in sports, |
| my boys are not quite as willing and excited as I | | | | others are more prone to musical, academic or |
| was about school, I still work to instill good | | | | artistic abilities. Pay attention to what gives your |
| success habits. Here are some ideas you can use | | | | children energy, and what activities they naturally |
| with your children to ensure a successful school | | | | gravitate towards. Nurture those interests and |
| year. | | | | talents so they feel confident about being good in |
| Establish Solid Morning, After School and Bedtime | | | | something. Help them to define who they are and |
| Routines | | | | what makes them special. There is so much |
| I first learned about the importance of solid | | | | competition and comparisons in schools today. |
| routines when I was raising my oldest son Kai. In | | | | Steer your children away from comparing |
| the third grade, Kai was diagnosed with ADHD. | | | | themselves to others, and instead encourage |
| Keeping my son focused enough to get ready for | | | | them to compete with their own personal best. |
| school and do his homework required consistency | | | | For example, when I took my son and a friend |
| and structure. I made up sheets of paper that | | | | bowling, we didn't compete against each other. In |
| listed every step he should take in the morning, | | | | the second game, we tried to beat our score |
| after school, and before bed. When setting up | | | | from the first game. |
| routines, be specific and follow the same routine | | | | Minimize Your Child's Stressors |
| all the time. Routines establish good habits in | | | | There are so many things that can cause stress |
| children and adults. | | | | for children today. Whether it's the pressure of |
| Teach Your Children How to Set Goals | | | | difficult or excessive schoolwork, bullies at school, |
| Once your children are old enough, give them a | | | | or intense competition in extracurricular activities, |
| beginner's course in setting goals for themselves. | | | | stress will affect the entire family. Pay attention |
| Keep it simple with children under age 12. Ask | | | | to what might be causing stress for your child. |
| them to set one academic goal and one | | | | Eliminate the stressor or teach your children |
| behavioral goal. For instance, I will work to get a B | | | | effective stress management techniques. Learning |
| in Math this year or I will read 15 minutes every | | | | how to plan better can help minimize some |
| day. Good behavioral goals can focus on | | | | homework stress. Minimizing extracurricular |
| respecting other people, increasing confidence, or | | | | activities keeps a family balanced. Teaching your |
| being more helpful. As your child gets older, he or | | | | children how to control their mind by thinking |
| she can learn to set larger goals that require | | | | flexible thoughts, and keeping fears and anxieties |
| more action steps, or increase the number of | | | | under control can go a long way towards |
| goals. Help your children create a colorful goals | | | | alleviating stress. Educate your child about the |
| sheet or vision board as a reminder of what they | | | | importance of healthy eating, exercise and proper |
| are working on. | | | | sleep. But most important, take care of yourself |
| Keep the Lines of Communication Open | | | | so you can model peaceful family living. |
| Communication with your child and his teachers is | | | | As my youngest enters the second grade, and |
| critical to your child's success. Last school year | | | | my eldest begins his first year in college, I am |
| was not an easy one for my younger son. We | | | | anticipating a successful school year. With these |
| were in constant communication with his teacher, | | | | tips, you and your children can look forward to |
| working together to shape his character in and | | | | and celebrate success as they enter a new school |
| out of school. Some children will voluntarily share | | | | year. |