School Days, New Days are Here!

It’s sounding DIFFERENT outside these days.  Here in Michigan, early September, I’m hearing a constant hum of crickets all day.  As a matter of fact, as I am now writing, with my windows open, I hear them. Falls coming, and I love it!!  It fills me with anticipation of new beginnings, of a new school year!!   I’m a dork! Even though I only teach one class a school semester, and I only have one child left in school (a college senior), I just LOVE it!! And I am an actual online student, so that counts too!  Nevertheless, I KNOW!!  Not EVERYONE shares this  thrill.

​For many, the thought of a new school year can produce dread or anxiety at a variety of levels. This can apply to parents, students and teachers, too. Today I address my parents and teachers with some tips and reminders that will hopefully contribute to a more peaceful mind. 
For ALL:  

• Make time for DAILY exercise! It physically changes the brain for better function and memory! Not to mention protecting the brain from disease.
• Action alleviates anxiety.
• RESIST comparing yourself or your children to others. 

Adult Schoolers! (This includes me!) Remember!!

• We’ve had more practice in staying on task.
• Our time management skills are better than they were years ago.
• We’re learning, so mistakes will be made.  We won’t always get 100% on everything.
• Don’t be too proud to ask for help.

Parents of Elementary / Middle Schoolers in School

• Connect and make nice with the teachers.
• Have a regular set homework / Study / learning time at home.
• Have a set free play time
• Watch out for overscheduling

Parents of High Schoolers in School

• It’s time to REDUCE the hovering – but not the PARENTING.
• Your teenagers need you as much or MORE than they did when they were in pre-school.
• Be VERY aware of how you respond to your teenagers.  What are your triggers? Avoid yelling matches.
• Ask your teenagers what THEY think. (Look for compromise when it can work.)
• Watch for overscheduling.

Homeschooling Parents (Especially the one at home!)

• Be SURE to pray / meditate before your day begins.
• Schooling time is for just that.  Stay focused.
• Be sure to schedule in YOUR free time, and YOUR House time. This is for your own sense of well-being and accomplishments.
• One of the great things about homeschooling is that your children can progress as they are cognitively ready, so try hard to resist the temptation of comparing one child to another (within your family as well as with those outside of it).
• Be aware of different maturation levels when schooling children of a variety of ages and temperaments (elementary -high school).  Match your behavior, instruction and expectations accordingly.

Parents of College Students  (Me too!)

• Do NOT run interference for your children with professors, residential officials, roommates, friends, etc.   Hovering needs to end. 
• Do stay in contact with your children.  Parenting continues, but in a different form now. 
• Please, give advice!  BUT, if you want to be listened to, do not give it all the time; TRY to wait sometimes for a request; and give it in a tone of suggestion and NOT a command.
• Know where YOUR money is going.
• Let your child be responsible for his/her money.
• Except for emergencies, resist the urge to run to the rescue. 

 
These are all tips that I've had to continually remind myself, too, at one time or the other.   I hope you find some that prove helpful, as well.  Every day is a gift and that includes school days!  Claim it!!  

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