New Beginning
September is a month that is filled with both laughter and tears, for us as parents, but also for our children.
Some of our children will be bold and excited as they rush into the classroom. While others will literally cling
to our legs.
Yes, September, and to a larger extent, the entire school year is usually filled with many challenges.
Prayerfully, these suggestions will help to bring about more laughter while at the same time helping during
those times of tears.
Bed Time
It's always a good idea to set reasonable bedtimes for our children. This will not only be profitable for them,
but it will also be profitable for us as parents. Bedtime is a good opportunity for us to spend time with our
children.
When we have younger children, shortly before bedtime, giving them a bath or having them take a shower,
followed by reading a book while they are in bed, and prayers is a good bedtime routine. A good routine will
help to reinforce stability while at the same time producing and maintain healthy bodies.
Tip: With older children when their bedtime has arrived, instead of waiting until you are going to bed to
check on them, let them know that you will be knocking on their bedroom door in five minutes to bid them
goodnight.
Develop this routine and while you're there, use this opportunity to share something about yourself with
them. As you do this, do not expect your children to share something about themselves in return. However,
this time will give them the opportunity to talk with you about their day, if they want to. This will help in the
building of your relationships.
Hint, hint, do not take up too much of their bedtime though.
Breakfast
Breakfast is not a meal that our children should be missing because after the school bell rings, it will be about
two to three hours before they will be able to eat something again. An empty stomach will prevent them from
performing at their best.
Tip: Pack an apple, banana or carrots for your children to snack on between classes if they tend to get
hungry before recess and lunch breaks. Reinforce the fact that they are not to eat during classes, but rather
while they are waiting for their teachers to enter the room.
Prepare the Night Before
It is also profitable to prepare for school the night before, for example, if there is any homework to be done,
it is better to have them do it before the morning. School clothes, school shoes and backpacks, just to add a
few, can be prepared before the morning as well. This will help to reduce the morning rush.
Tip: With younger children allow them to help you with the preparation.
Weekdays Activities
In today's world, there is not a lack of after school activities available for our children. Therefore, it is
important that we do not overload them by signing them up for too many activities at one time. It may be a
good idea to start them off with one or two things, and as you monitor them with these, you can add or
subtract when it is necessary.
Tip: When possible, get them involve in activities that are closer to home. This will help to prevent them from
drifting off to sleep on their way home and thereby disrupting their bedtime routine.