The school day is a whirlwind of activities, lessons, and social interactions, and by the time your kids get home, they might be feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement, resulting in the dreaded after school-restraint collapse. Helping them wind down properly can make the transition from school to home smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family. Hereβs a guide to helping your kids wind down and relax after school to kids decompress and recharge in a way that eases the effects of the after-school restraint collapse Why do kids struggle with the after-school transition? Β Kids often struggle with the after-school transition because it can be a big shift from the structured school environment to the more relaxed (or chaotic) atmosphere at home. The sudden change can be overwhelming after a day full of lessons, rules, and social interactions β the sudden ability to let it all go,…
As school creeps up, there is one thing on our minds: back-to-school shopping! If you are big on pre-planning like me, you must already be thinking about school supplies. If your pint-sized scholar insists on lugging around their world in a backpack, you are at the right space. Fret not, my fellow parents, and read along to help you pick that special bag that can handle all their treasures while keeping them comfy. Top backpacks for kids. Here are the top picks for the kiddos who love to carry everything to school: JanSport SuperBreak BackpackΒ JanSport has been a trusted brand for ages, and their SuperBreak Backpack is a classic choice. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for kids who like to fill their bags to the brim. With a roomy main compartment and a handy front utility pocket, there’s plenty of space for all their essentials. Plus, it…
Going back to school is a big deal β and it can be an even bigger one if your child is starting at a new, unfamiliar school. Weβve got tips for kids starting at a new school, and strategies to help ease the stress, for both you and your child. Things to do before your child starts at a new school As always, you know your child best and are the most qualified person to customize these ideas for them. Some kids will benefit from lots of advance information, while others are better off taking each moment as it comes. Here are some proactive steps you can take before your child sets foot in the new school: Talk it through. This may be especially important for older kids who are more attached to their existing school and need time to wrap their heads around the change. Adopt the role of…
Hey there, fellow moms! As the days stretch longer and the lazy vibes of summer start to fade, itβs time to gear up for that inevitable transition back to the school routine. If youβre anything like me, you know that getting back into the swing of things after a carefree summer can be a bit of a challenge. But fear not! I’ve got some out-of-the-box strategies up my sleeve to help make this transition back to school a little smoother. Fun ways to ease the transition back to school Create a Countdown Calendar with a Twist: Sure, countdown calendars are nothing new, but how about adding a fun twist? Instead of just marking the days until school starts, why not make each day a mini celebration? Have a themed movie night, a backyard campout, or a DIY spa day.Not only will this keep the kids excited, but itβll also make…
As the new school year begins, weβll see the adorable βFirst-dayβ chalkboard signs, cute outfits, and photoshoots. Many families are embarking on a homeschooling journey. Whether this choice was made out of necessity, preference, or a blend of both, one thing is sure: the first day of homeschooling can also be made incredibly special with a little creativity and thoughtful planning. Here are some ideas to make the first day of homeschooling feel special. Set the Stage with Excitement Start the day with a positive and enthusiastic tone. Create a special morning routine that differs from your everyday activities this summer. Consider preparing a delicious breakfast together or having a small celebratory treat. Setting the table with decorations or special dishes can add a festive touch. Create a βFirst Dayβ Tradition for Homeschool Traditions provide a sense of continuity and excitement. Establish a tradition that marks the beginning of each…
With the new school year on the horizon, the task of shopping for school uniforms for our little ones is looming. While the school’s uniform shop may seem like the easiest option, many savvy parents are discovering cost-effective and efficient ways to tackle this task. Let’s explore some of these tips and tricks together. Here, weβve gathered all the best hacks to uniform shopping for elementary school kids that will not only make it less stressful and more efficient but also give you a sense of accomplishment in finding cost-effective solutions. Sometimes, it’s satisfying to get the best bang for your buck! Check the school guidelines on uniforms before you begin shopping: Before you start shopping, review the school’s uniform guidelines. Some schools have specific requirements for very specific colors, styles, and where to purchase uniforms. Label Everything: With all kids wearing the same uniform, labeling your child’s clothing can…
Itβs very scary to send your kids with allergies off to school each year. When you have a new teacher, new kids in the class there is so much more potential risk. The best thing that allergy parents can do, is be prepared before the school year begins. Preparing to send a child with allergies to school requires careful planning and communication with school staff, teachers, and your kid! Β You need to know how to set up your kids’ allergy plan for school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare to send your kid to school with allergies: Understand your child’s allergies: Make sure you have a clear understanding of your child’s allergies, including what they are allergic to, common symptoms, and emergency procedures. Others canβt help you if you donβt have all the details, so make sure to get all the info you need before starting a plan…
Every kid is different and matures at their own pace. That said, there are some basic school-related skills that should be in place by the time your child enters Grade 8. Here is a review of essential skills needed by 8th grade, for todayβs young teenager β plus some useful tips to help develop them. Social Skills Needed by 8th Grade Young people with strong social skills are better prepared to build positive relationships, meet new friends, navigate unfamiliar situations and manage peer pressure. The social world of preteens and teens is a complex one, and you want your child to feel as confident and comfortable as possible. Verbal communication. They should be able to choose suitable words and comments for the situation, while speaking a confident tone of voice. Awareness of non-verbal communication. At this age, they likely understand that body language can also send powerful messages. They will…
Forest schools, a rising trend in recent years, offer a unique educational approach that celebrates outdoor learning and nature-based activities. With growing concerns about the adverse effects of screen time and sedentary indoor lifestyles, the positives of outdoor education are becoming apparent to many families. β¦the joy of seeing your child run, explore, and get a little dirty in the great outdoors is an experience like no other! It is critical to be well-prepared with the right gear and supplies for forest school. With the right items, the unique learning experience offered by the great outdoors will be more enjoyable for your kids. Hereβs a list of essentials to buy and pack for forest school: Clothing Essentials Needed for Forest School: Comfortable Clothes: Dress in layers suitable for the weather. Consider moisture-wicking materials. Soft clothing like sweatpants should be worn under waterproof pants. Thicker pants are good for keeping bugs…
As a parent,Β it can beΒ toughΒ to seeΒ your teen struggling with exam stress.Β The pressure to perform well canΒ take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, which can then have an effect on their physical health too!Β However,Β there are several ways you can support your teen during exams and help them develop coping skills that they can take with them through life.Β Here are some tips to help your teen manage exam stress effectively: 1. Encourage a healthy lifestyle, especially leading up to exam time Encourage your teen to eat well and take care of themselves leading up to, and during exam periods. ThisΒ includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, andΒ staying physically active. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood, so encourage your teen to take short breaks for physical activity, go for a walk or bike ride with friends (this will help them get exercise, plus time with friends can…