As an MVP Generation Go Ambassador, it’s my duty to share various topics and tips with my readers to hopefully lead a healthy and productive lifestyle. I’ve cover numerous topics ranging from exploring your community and my favorite kid-friendly recipe to finding creative ways for recreation and ways to manage your time wisely all while giving away a $50 VISA Gift Card, thanks to Kids Fun Plaza.
Nice, huh?
Well this week’s topic is Back-to-school. I know in other parts of the country, school has been in session for a few weeks now but here in New York, there’s still time left to get everything that is needed for a productive school year. To be exact, we have 13 days — but who’s counting. 😉
As for us, we’ve been buying school supplies and new clothes little by little. And let me tell you, everything is expensive. I’m a “couponer” so if I don’t see the word “sale” attached to the item or a coupon I could use, I rarely buy it. My kids get upset but they know their mom has a reason to her madness. We’re a one-income family and money can be tight at times so I need to watch what I spend.
This year is tough. All three kids will be attending school full-time as opposed to just two. My son, whose almost 15, will be a 10th grader; my 12-year-old daughter will be a 7th grader and my baby, she’ll be a first grader.
OMGosh, where did the time go? It’s like they were born one day and going to school the next. Time sure does fly by fast.
A few weeks before school starts, I make ground rules for all my children. I need to. If I don’t start a few weeks before school, their internal clock would go haywire and think it’s on summer mode. What parent wants that? I sure don’t.
BEDTIME
I start with a reasonable bedtime for all three — preferably before 9:30-10pm. My little one thinks it’s unfair she gets to go to bed before her brother and sister so the two older kids know when I say it’s “bedtime”, it’s for the both of them to read quietly with their night-light for 30 minutes. It calms them down and most of the time they are knocked out in about 20 minutes.
PLANNING
Every Sunday, it’s their job to empty out their back pack and remove the trash out of their bags. It’s amazing how much garbage accumulates in just one week. My kids need to be diligent about not forgetting their projects or homework they might’ve put on the back-burner. As a mom of 3, I know how things can slip through the cracks so making sure they empty their back packs once a week makes them less-forgetful.
HOMEWORK
It’s the most dreadful part of school for my son. He thinks he can get away with not doing his homework so I make sure he takes a small break, get a drink, eat a small snack and as soon as he’s done, he is to sit at the kitchen table and start on his homework. I believe if my son does nothing for too long, he gets too lazy to pick himself back up to do his homework on his own. My 12-year-old is the total opposite. I rarely have to send her to do her homework. She does it with no problems whatsoever.
SCHOOL BUS
I’m fortunate enough to have all 3 kids picked up right in front of our home. Walking to school is not needed to make sure they get to school on time and I don’t have to worry about driving them either. But I do have to worry about their safety on the school bus. I always tell them to make sure they put on their seat-belts, stay in their seats and don’t distract the driver. It’s difficult to monitor their behavior when I’m not there so they are sure to get a weekly speech from me.
So there you have it — a few of our tips that work for us. It would be really great if you, my lovely readers, would share your best tips for a productive school year.
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Disclosure: I am an MVP Generation Go ambassador. MVP Has provided me with compensation for this post. The $50 VISA gift card is sponsored by the generous people over at Kids Fun Plaza. My participation is voluntary and my opinions are always my own.
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My best tip in preparing children for good school year is to make sure they keep on schedule after school. Homework gets done first, and then if time permits they can choose an activity they want to do.
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I want to make sure my kids get a good night’s sleep, I think that’s the best preparation so we establish an early bedtime routine.
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To get kids ready to a new school year, we start routine one or two weeks earlier.
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can i enter even though i don’t have kids!?!? Have plenty of nephew and nieces I help prep for their 1st day back. I even skip out on work so I can see them get on the bus! I’d prep by addressing all homework early in the day so they could have a mental break before the next day. eating a healthy dinner at a reasonable hour. a really warm bath before bedtime. a decent bedtime, i’m thinking 8:30 in order to get a solid 8-9 hours of sleep before their busy day. a super high anti-oxidant breakfast with brain food (i’d sneak in some veggies in there somewhere). A kiss on the forehead and a prayer!
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We have the kids pick out their clothes for the next day the night before. It helps mornings to go faster.
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My favorite planning tip for a good year is to put a big calendar in front our our work space. Good for writing test dates, field trips, etc.
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My best tip is routine, Kids need it and so does this crazy mom.
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We talk about the importance of doing our best and not rushing thru things.
I am always there to listen and help my grandsons when they have any issues at school. They know they can always come to me without being judged.
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We eat a good breakfast and get a good night’s sleep.
My best tip is to help them stay organized and in a routine. Each day, after my kids come home from school, they have a small snack and then complete all their homework, before going out to play.
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Well, the children I have(raised 2 brothers after Mom died) are grown now lol..but my Godson does stay with me some…we always prepare his things such as backpack, outfit to wear, etc., the night before..Saves SO much time.
I also allow him to unwind a bit after school, by enjoying a snack, then he has to get his homework done! lol
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