Going back to school means the relaxed, lazy days of summer are about to give way to packed schedules, homework and after-school activities. The change of pace can be a jolt to the whole family. While children are making the most of their long summer holidays by playing as many computer games as possible, watching as many cartoons as possible and seizing every opportunity to consume ice cream and sweets and other junk food within the boundaries of parental supervision. Parents however, are starting to think ahead to the new academic year, compiling to-do lists and thinking about what the new school year will bring for their kids.
I have compiled the following tips for you and yours, on how to help start the new term the right way:
1. Start waking them up. There is a tendency for parents to allow their children sleep till very late in the morning during holidays. Over the next few weeks reset their body clock slowly by waking them up earlier an putting them to bed earlier too in order for the back-to-school transition to take place more smoothly. Sit them down and help them to understand sleep nutrition is as important as food nutrition and that a lack of sleep or too much sleep can have major consequences.
2. Don’t stop the gaming. Yes they should keep playing but they should start playing more educational games there are a number of games that you can download on your computer of iPad that will teach them the basics of trigonometry and even 20th century literature in the most fun and educationally inconspicuous ways. This will get their brains back to school mode without eating depriving them of their last few weeks of fun.
3. Get their work done. Did they have any homework orset out before the holidays began that hasn’t been completed? If so make absolutely sure it has been completed and urge them to keep their work in a safe place.
4. Plan breakfasts. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is why it is vital your children don't miss out. By planning and preparing breakfast, especially for the first week back, the mornings will be a lot less stressful. Ask your kids in advance what they enjoy to help prevent any tantrums.
5. Start waking them up earlier. There is a tendency for parents to allow their children sleep till very late in the morning during holidays. Over the next few weeks reset their body clock slowly by waking them up earlier an putting them to bed earlier too in order for the back-to-school transition to take place more smoothly. Sit them down and help them to understand sleep nutrition is as important as food nutrition and that a lack of sleep or too much sleep can have major consequences.
6. The Pep Talk. My mum used to do this the night before she would give this long lecture and it always included the catch phrase "Don't follow bad gangs". but you can start now. ask them what are their concerns for the coming academic year, tell them what you think they should look out for and generally pray with and encourage them
Ijeoma Olujekun
