Tag: routines

Posted on by bloomfieldfamilies_57gxrn

Back to school tips

Returning to school after summer break can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking for kids.

Here are some tips to help them ease back into the school routine:

Establish a Routine
1. Sleep schedule: Start setting a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule a week or two before school starts to help your child adjust.
2. Morning routine: Practice the morning routine before the first day, including getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a school bag.

Talk about Expectations
1. Discuss details: Talk to your child about what to expect on the first day, including meeting new teachers, classmates, and any changes at school.
2. Set goals: Help them set simple, achievable goals for the school year, like making a new friend or improving in a particular subject.

Organize School Supplies
1. Backpack preparation: Go through the school supply list together and organize everything in their backpack. Label items with their name.
2. Workspace setup: Set up a designated homework space at home where they can focus and keep their homework supplies.

Visit the School
1. Tour the school: If possible, visit the school beforehand to familiarize your child with the classroom, playground, and other areas. You can also practice how to open a combination lock at home if your child will have a locker.
2. Meet the teacher: Attend any orientation events or meet the teacher sessions.

Encourage Social Connections
1. Playdates: Arrange playdates with classmates or neighbors to help them reconnect with friends before school starts.
2. Join activities: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities or clubs that interest them.

Speak openly about the good and bad with school
1. Open communication: Encourage your child to share any worries or fears about returning to school and address them together.

2. Reassurance: Remind them that it’s normal to feel nervous and that other kids likely feel the same way. Encourage them to practice self-soothing skills when they feel nervous such as deep breathing, listening to music, or another distraction technique
3. Positive talk: Speak positively about school and learning, emphasizing the fun aspects like recess, art projects, or seeing friends.

Practice independence
1. Self-care skills: Encourage your child to practice skills like tying shoes, zipping jackets, or opening lunch containers.
2. Decision-making: Let them choose their outfit or lunch for the first day to build confidence.

Stay involved
1. Regular check-ins: Once school starts, check in regularly with your child about their day and how they’re feeling.
2. Teacher communication: Keep in touch with teachers to stay informed about your child’s progress and any areas that might need attention.

These steps can help make the transition back to school smoother and more enjoyable for kids.

 

Shannon’s Wisdom on Wellness

Posted on by bloomfieldfamilies_57gxrn

In this space, you’ll find pressing topics and clinical insight from one of our clinicians, Shannon Tavis, LMSW. She offers feedback on mental health and your child that are relevant towards every day living. 

Join us here each month for a new blog and fresh topic!

 

Helping Your Child Beat the Winter Slump: Tips for Boosting Motivation and Focus

Dear Parents,

As winter settles in, many students find themselves facing a common challenge: the winter slump. It’s that time of year when the combination of colder weather, shorter days, and the monotony of school routines can diminish motivation and focus. If you’ve noticed your child struggling to stay on track with their schoolwork or lacking enthusiasm for school, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are several strategies you can utilize to help them overcome this seasonal dip and reignite their motivation and focus.

  1. Encourage Physical Activity: It’s no secret that movement has a positive impact on mood and cognitive function. Encourage your child to engage in physical activity regularly, whether it’s playing a sport, going for a walk, or participating in indoor exercises. Even a short burst of movement can help boost energy levels and improve concentration.
  2. Create a Cozy Study Space: The dreary winter weather can make it challenging to feel motivated to study. Help your child create a cozy and inviting study space that they look forward to spending time in. This could involve adding soft lighting, comfortable seating, and personal touches like photos or artwork. 
  3. Offer Support and Encouragement: Be a source of encouragement and support for your child during this challenging time. Let them know that it’s okay to struggle sometimes and that you’re there to help them navigate through it. Offer words of encouragement and praise their efforts, no matter how small. You can even create a countdown for the number of days left until summer break or another event that they are looking forward to. Sometimes, a little positivity can go a long way in boosting motivation and morale.
  4. Explore New Opportunities: Winter can be a great time to explore new hobbies or interests that can help with some of the winter blues. Encourage them to pursue activities outside of school that they find enjoyable and stimulating, whether it’s learning a new instrument, trying out a new sport, or delving into a creative project.
  5. Practice Self-Care: Remind your child of the importance of self-care, especially during the winter months when the days are shorter and the weather can be gloomy. Encourage them to prioritize activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as meditation, journaling, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

In conclusion, while the cold weather may present challenges for students, it’s important to remember that it’s temporary and manageable with the right strategies put into place. By putting the above tips into practice, you can help your child beat the winter slump and thrive academically and emotionally. Remember that every child is different and what works for one may or may not work for another. It can be helpful to review these tips with your child and let them have some autonomy over which tips they would like to implement into their schedule.

Learn More about Shannon or our Clinical Services.