Is your child well-stocked with back to school supplies and clothes for the new school year?
What else can you do to help them be prepared for that first day of school?
Dr. Audrey Kteily, LPC-S of Coppell Family Therapy has some tips for making the back to school transition a bit easier:
1. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition! Make sure your kids are eating breakfast AND lunch. Educate them on why our bodies need fuel and what kind!
2. Sleep counts! A kid that is tired at the start of the day will be totally lethargic at the end of it. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep for their age. If you aren't sure how much that should be, check in with your MD.
3. Limit TV/Videos. Did you know that TV and video games are a stimulant? Encourage your child to do other activities in their down time that will expend some energy (play catch) or help their brain calm down (a good book)!
4. Know your kids schedule! Make an effort to understand what the pace of their day is like, what teachers they have, and what subjects they are studying.
5. Meet the teachers! Research shows that the success of a child's education is largely dependent on the relationship between parent and teacher! Help the teacher and you are helping your child.
6. Set BOUNDARIES. The key here is everything in moderation. Children need down time just like adults do. If your child has more than 2 activities outside of school they are at risk for being overscheduled and overextended.
7. Be your child's ADVOCATE. Keep your eyes open for signs of lethargy, apathy, and stress. Know your child's homework load and if you think it's too heavy “ SAY SOMETHING. Your child does not feel empowered to take on the teacher's or the school's expectations. They need your help to achieve balance.
8. Communicate! Even if your teen rolls their eyes at you, keep talking and asking questions. Stay involved. Do NOT fall into the trap of thinking your child will always come to you or tell you when things are wrong .They need supportive adults to help them along!Is your child well-stocked with back to school supplies and clothes for the new school year?
What else can you do to help them be prepared for that first day of school?
Dr. Audrey Kteily, LPC-S of Coppell Family Therapy has some tips for making the back to school transition a bit easier:
1. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition! Make sure your kids are eating breakfast AND lunch. Educate them on why our bodies need fuel and what kind!
2. Sleep counts! A kid that is tired at the start of the day will be totally lethargic at the end of it. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep for their age. If you aren't sure how much that should be, check in with your MD.
3. Limit TV/Videos. Did you know that TV and video games are a stimulant? Encourage your child to do other activities in their down time that will expend some energy (play catch) or help their brain calm down (a good book)!
4. Know your kids schedule! Make an effort to understand what the pace of their day is like, what teachers they have, and what subjects they are studying.
5. Meet the teachers! Research shows that the success of a child's education is largely dependent on the relationship between parent and teacher! Help the teacher and you are helping your child.
6. Set BOUNDARIES. The key here is everything in moderation. Children need down time just like adults do. If your child has more than 2 activities outside of school they are at risk for being overscheduled and overextended.
7. Be your child's ADVOCATE. Keep your eyes open for signs of lethargy, apathy, and stress. Know your child's homework load and if you think it's too heavy “ SAY SOMETHING. Your child does not feel empowered to take on the teacher's or the school's expectations. They need your help to achieve balance.
8. Communicate! Even if your teen rolls their eyes at you, keep talking and asking questions. Stay involved. Do NOT fall into the trap of thinking your child will always come to you or tell you when things are wrong .They need supportive adults to help them along!
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