Transitioning Back To School Without Overloading Your Child
Periodically, I welcome a guest to join me on my blog. This week, Janeal Roberts, Vice President of Education for Champions®, a nationwide provider of before- and after-school programs, is joining me to discuss tips to help parents as their children return to school.
We can all remember the excitement, anxiety and enhanced level of activity that take place as a new school year begins. This time of year brings increased expectations as well as new routines, new friends, a new teacher and possibly a new school.
While research studies recognize the benefits of extracurricular activities, juggling these changes can be overwhelming to even the most well-adjusted child. It is important to consider your child’s interests and ability to adjust when planning activities. Being aware of your child’s needs and preparing for this transition can be the key to a successful and fun school year.
• Look at each child as an individual.
All children are different and have different talents and varying abilities to manage their time and handle change. Be sure to take this into consideration, especially if your family has more than one child.
• Establish expectations and priorities with your child.
Ask yourself “what is most important to me?” and “what do I want for my child?” Be sure to involve your children and consider their input in your decision. Your family’s schedule should reflect these goals. Revisit these priorities with your children regularly, engage them in discussions, celebrate successes and review challenges and lessons learned.
• Wait before you commit or overextend your child.
Look for extracurricular activities that can be added after school schedules are established. Waiting 30 days to add a new activity after the school year begins can give you and your child the time needed to settle into a routine.
• Streamline and organize activities.
It’s not the additional one to two hours a week of soccer or dance that causes stress or frustration, but the added time and rush to get from place to place. Look for centralized afterschool programs that provide multiple activities on-site to reduce running from place to place.
• Establish family routines and traditions early.
Make a calendar that clearly lists mealtimes, bedtime, homework, chores, activities and other important family commitments that your child is expected to attend. Review and reinforce the schedule with your children to help establish routines.
• Plan for downtime, don’t wait for it.
There is a lot to be gained from unstructured activities. Reserve downtime so that your child can accept an unexpected invitation, be spontaneous and appreciate the times when “there is nothing to do.” Working together with your child to find the schedule that works for your family will ensure a comfortable balance and teach children to understand their own tolerance. Discussing these challenges will help as your children transition into middle school and their teenage years.
About Janeal Roberts, Vice President, Education - Champions®
Janeal Roberts is a twenty-five year veteran of Champions and has served in a variety of roles including classroom kindergarten teacher, master teacher, center director at multiple locations, curriculum specialist, and school-age education specialist.
In her role as Vice President of Education for Champions, she manages the Education Department, which is responsible for the development and implementation of all KLC School Partnerships curriculum, equipment, teacher training, and quality assurance initiatives.
Ms. Roberts has a bachelor’s in education and a master’s degree in management sciences. She is actively involved at both local and state levels as a member, trainer, and endorser for both NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and NAA (National Afterschool Alliance).
Uncategorized | Elanna | 
August 31, 2009 1:40 pm
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