Top 3 Tips to Hit the Easy Button on the School Year
With school in full swing and all the hard preparation over with, you and your kiddos now have to do the actual hard work of going to school (and succeeding!).
Every year is different, and no matter how old they are, transitioning from one grade to the next feels like a big change — because it is.
But never fear! Chrissy your #DentonRealtor is here with my 3 top tips on how to keep things running smoothly all year long so that you can all focus on what matters most.
1. Create a Routine That Includes Time to Chill
School can be anxiety-inducing for kids and parents alike. Summer is easy-breezy-lemon-squeezy, with nothing to do but show up for activities and have fun.
During the school year, you’ve got pesky expectations, peskier homework, and a long list of things to keep track of that have some consequences attached if they’re not taken care of.
For kids, especially if homework expectations have gone up a lot this year, they can feel stressed out and anxious, and the same goes for parents, especially if your kids are trying to avoid homework at any cost.
On top of that, there are sports, extracurriculars, and all sorts of other activities that you have to drag them to and from — and check up on progress or help them prepare along the way.
Both you and the kids can benefit from a little stress relief during these busy times.
Walking with your kids to and from school and chatting about non-school-related stuff, setting time limits on homework to make room for fun activities or exercise, ensuring breakfast and dinner aren’t dominated by overstimulating devices — all these and more can help everyone turn down the stress dial for a bit during each day’s rigorous schedule.
Consider making the weekends a sacred time where the kids get plenty of time to play and hang out without the stress of school or homework hanging over them. Set a clear homework schedule so that, by the time the weekend hits, they are done studying (or as far along as they can get so that Saturdays are mostly free time).
By creating a routine that protects free time, playtime, and relaxation time, you ensure that your kids are refreshed and able to work more efficiently and effectively when they’re in school and studying.
It also removes your stress! Between work and taking care of the kids, you likely have little time for yourself. Try to carve out just a little bit in the mornings before they wake up or after they go to bed to get your own R&R.
2. Make Sure Everyone Is on the Same Page
No matter your family makeup, if you want to succeed throughout the school year, everyone needs to be on the same page.
If your kids have smartphones, one of the easiest ways to do this is with a digital calendar. Set recurring events with multiple reminders and make sure everyone accepts invites to new events they need to be at.
Make sure any other adults in their lives are also added into these events, and encourage them to use these calendars if they need to schedule something. That way, if something comes up that you’re not aware of yet, they can send you an invite too and make sure everyone knows what’s happening.
Getting in the habit of using digital calendars is great, but it also helps to have a physical calendar hanging prominently in your home so that everyone can see at a glance what’s on the agenda for the day and week.
Kids get distracted. They forget things. And one of the things they’re absolutely going to forget is to check their calendar on their phone. Making a habit of getting everyone to check the physical calendar after waking up or before going out the door makes it more likely that events will not be missed.
3. Make Time for Regular Vibe Checks
Sure, it might be a Gen-Z thing, but doing a regular vibe check (seeing how everyone is feeling and doing) is a great way to catch problems before they crop up and become serious issues.
For example, if your kid is struggling with homework, they might be the type to not say anything. However, if you create a regular time every week when they can tell you how they’re feeling about school and life in general, they might be more willing to tell you what’s up so that you can figure out a solution.
The same goes for more serious problems. Maybe they’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Those feelings might have causes that you can fix — reducing after-school activities or helping them with homework — or they might be something you’ll need to seek professional help for.
Kids who are getting bullied react to it in many different ways, many of which include hiding it from you. If you have regular check-ins, a time when your kids feel safe and like they can tell you anything, you’re more likely to find out about something serious like bullying before it gets out of hand.
You might also want to do the same for yourself and other adults in their lives. Keeping on top of how everyone is doing (and how you’re doing too!) ensures that any problems caused by the stress of the school year get nipped in the bud.
Keep the Success Train Chuggin’
You and your kiddos have plenty of work throughout the school year, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips, and you’ll all make it through the year successfully.
Good luck!
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Meet Chrissy Mallouf: Denton's Premier Real Estate Agent and TV Host
Experience the difference with Chrissy Mallouf, where real estate expertise meets a love for Denton! Chrissy is, your #DentonRealtor!
With over three decades of residency and an unwavering commitment to Denton, she's developed unmatched expertise in the local real estate scene. As a multi-time #1 agent at Keller Williams Realty Denton and a recipient of prestigious "Best of Denton" titles for 10 consecutive years, Chrissy's impact on the community is undeniable.
She's not just a top-producing Realtor; she's also a dedicated wife and mother who balances her family life with professional success. In a delightful surprise to her real estate career, Chrissy is now a television host on The American Dream, showcasing Denton's vibrant culture and real estate to a national audience. In every sense of the word, Chrissy Mallouf is your #DentonRealtor, a tireless advocate for her clients, and an asset to the Denton community.
When you're ready to make Denton your home, trust Chrissy to guide you through every step of the journey.
