Getting Back in the Swing of School

School has begun, the kids are in full swing back to waking up early, making lunches, doing homework, parents are trying to keep organized with solid routines and supporting our children the best we can.

In our house, one of the two kids had a little bumpy start but with time and a few motivating talks and conversations, we are finally settling in. That being said, I am constantly on the search for better, more efficient ways to get through these tedious tasks! Here are a few of my top ideas that may or may not work for you but perhaps worth a try!

Lunches your children will eat
IMPOSSIBLE but we try. Water is better than juice, bite-size foods with a healthy dip like hummus with cut up chicken, cheese, egg, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes can be an option if sandwiches aren’t your thing and a little treat can go a long way. But if lunches come home uneaten, my kids eat it for dinner. And do get the kids involved in packing lunch and snacks from the time they start kindergarten. We do it after dinner, the night before, much less stressful than the morning of.

Chores, rules and behaviours
Whatever your values, younger or older kids, every family needs a set of rules or guidelines on the do’s and don’ts. BE CLEAR with your kids – chores, homework, TV and tablets, friends and extra-curricular activities. Breaking the family agreement has consequences, PARENTS – Stick with it!

Talk and Listen
Scheduling work and play, juggling your children can get hairy sometimes. Take the time regularly to do random activities, that’s when they talk and you listen. For us it’s often when we’re in the car, tidying up or doing a chore. Others schedule a few minutes before bed and others play a game at dinner by asking specific questions like, “What was the most boring or fun activity in class?” or talk about something interesting in your day. It doesn’t matter how, just get your kids talking, make them feel comfortable about it and don’t judge.