School days are here for many in the US this month. Parents and students are getting back into the swing of things coming out of the summer schedule to the fall schedule. Here are some fun and practical tips to help get you ready!
Ready, Set, Go!
- Establish routines. Help children learn what to expect by creating daily routines and structures. For example, you can start a consistent school-night routine a few weeks before school starts. This can include setting a reasonable bedtime, eating a healthy breakfast, and getting enough sleep.
- Build good habits. Help children develop good homework and study habits. This can include creating a homework-friendly environment, scheduling time for homework, and establishing rules to limit distractions. You can also help your child ease eye, neck, and brain fatigue while studying.
- Healthy Happy Vibes: Balanced meals, adequate sleep, and outdoor playtime are like fuel for your Student. As they leap into the world of learning, their healthy habits provide the energy and focus they need to shine brightly.
- Support mental health. Help your child be healthier by managing your own stress response. Staying calm in stressful moments can help build your bond with your child and keep your relationship strong. You can also check out resources like Stress Relief for Kids and Strategies to Help Caregivers Stay Calm in Difficult Moments.
- Communicate with the school. Become part of the decision-making process for school health policies and practices. You can ask to join the school wellness team or request opportunities for parents to participate in school health activities. You can also communicate frequently with the school about your child’s time in the program.
- Set goals. Set goals with your child’s school or teacher to build positive relationships with peers and adults who can support your child’s emotional well-being.
- Tech Tales and Trails: Imagine exploring the digital universe while keeping one foot firmly grounded in the real world. Technology is a powerful ally, introducing your child to interactive learning and exciting possibilities. But remember, the playground, the park, and the library offer experiences no screen can replace. Balancing tech time with real-world adventures creates a holistic learning journey.
- Parents, gear up for a year of growth, laughter, and shared discoveries. Consider what you can do to set the tone for this new year to fuel their education and well being for the year ahead! Here’s to an incredible back-to-school season! 🌈📚🎉
Suggestions for Parents
- Organize your schedule: Create a family calendar with school events, activities, and deadlines and plan morning routines to ensure smooth starts to school days
- Establish communication channels: Connect with teachers and school administrators and join parent groups or online communities for your child’s school
- Plan meals: Stock up on easy breakfast and lunch items and consider meal prepping for busy weeknights
- Stay informed: Read school newsletters and communications and attend back-to-school nights and orientations
- Prepare for transportation: Plan school drop-off and pick-up routines and arrange carpools if necessary
- Budget for expenses: Plan for school supplies, new clothes, and potential activity fees and consider setting up a savings plan for ongoing school expenses
- Review and update important documents: Emergency contact information, health records and vaccinations, and any necessary school forms
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
Speaking of Important
Parents heads up! Let’s review medical decisions for your young adults. When I speak about this with parents, too often there is confusion and disbelief.
Parents have the right to make medical decisions for their children. But when a teenager turns 18, this parental authority comes to an end. With adulthood, a person gains the right of medical self determination, regardless of their disability status. That right can only be taken away by a court order.
Patients should know that when they turn 18, they have the right to make their own medical decisions unless a court order takes that right away from them. In all but three states (Alabama:19, Mississippi: 21, and Nebraska: 19), the age of majority is 18. This is when a person is considered an adult. And there is no exception for persons with developmental disabilities.
This means it is crucial to begin discussions with your kids before the age of 18. Please note that some states have laws in place that allow children as young as 12 to receive treatment without parental consent when it comes to things like vaccinations and reproductive healthcare.
Look After You
Do remember to look after you, as this new school year begins. Reach out via Email or Message me if you have any questions. For additional information about my work check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
If you’re interested in preparing your high school students for adulting I’ve created a recorded online module for Parents to assist!
To consider preplanning for you my book The Living Planner (What to Prepare Now While You Are Living) is a resource for you. Here is a direct link to my shopping cart. Check it out HERE.Â
Here is an August quote for you from Alice Walker, “The month of August holds the promise of golden sunsets, reminding us to find beauty in every ending.” I’ll add and every beginning 🌞 Lynn
#Can’tPredictCanPrepare #PlanfortheUnplanned