For us , we start with going through their backpacks , emptying them , and putting the backpacks away . Then they have a snack and do homework . Once homework is done , the kids can have some time for iPad , reading , or playing .
Like many kids , mine often have afterschool activities , requiring some day-to-day flexibility . One way that works for us is to get ahead on homework whenever possible . For example , if the teacher assigns homework on Monday that is due Thursday , the kids will complete the homework on days without afterschool activities to avoid late nights finishing homework on the days that they do .
STRATEGY 3 : SLEEP . IT IS MAGIC .
Sleep is absolutely essential . Without enough sleep , kids struggle to focus and to regulate emotions and behavior .
I have one child who falls asleep the moment his head hits the pillow . He needs at least 11 hours of sleep a night and without that is , as we lovingly call him , Captain Cranky-Pants . For him , we set a bedtime and do our very best to stick with it . My other child is a night owl and often goes to sleep after I do . While she naturally needs fewer hours than her brother , she struggles to fall asleep and get those magical hours . For her , we set a time by which she needs to be in her room in order to wind down with quiet play or reading .
I also try to create the best environment possible for her to fall asleep . There are no screens before bed . She has a warmlight lamp to use to read . We play either soft , calming music or bedtime stories , depending on her mood . Sometimes we use a diffuser with lavender essential oils , practice calming breathing together , or I guide her through a body scan meditation . She also loves using a kid-safe weighted blanket , which helps calm her body .
STRATEGY 4 : USE FOOD TO FUEL A GREAT DAY .
Like sleep , a healthy , well-balanced diet is crucial for kids . Eating excess sugar and processed foods affects behavior , emotions , and ultimately overall health . And yet it feels like an ongoing battle to get kids to make healthy choices , particularly when they are constantly surrounded by foods that simply taste better : chips , ice cream , pizza , cakes , soft drinks , candy etc …
To combat this , we aim for a healthy breakfast with whole grains and proteins to fuel the kids for the morning . We make their lunches at home whenever possible , packed with healthy options they like to eat . We also talk a lot about what it means to eat a healthy , well-balanced diet . We teach them about whole grains , fruits , vegetables , and protein . And we explain that dessert is fine , in moderation , when they ’ ve otherwise fueled their bodies with the healthy foods they need .
STRATEGY 5 : EXERCISE .
Hand and hand with healthy eating is exercise . Kids need time to run around and de-energize so they are able to focus and flourish during the school day . I have one kid for whom this is easy . His favorite school subject is recess , and he lives to be on a soccer field . My daughter is a bookworm and artist . She loves a big comfy chair . For her , we find family walks indispensable . They get her outside and moving , while also providing an opportunity for us to connect after our busy school and workdays .
With much to look forward to in the year ahead ( not least of which , for parents , is the return to the regular schedule of the school day ), I hope you find these strategies helpful for your family in the year ahead .
Rachel Loftspring is a Fertility Law Attorney who finds immense joy in helping hopeful parents build their families through surrogacy and gamete donation .
When she ’ s not practicing law , Rachel is an author . Her debut children ’ s book , Mila the Maker and the 200-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle , is a story about big feelings . Her work is inspired by her own children , Mila and Levi , who fill her life with laughter and creativity . Coffee fuels the rest . She resides with her husband and kids in Cincinnati , Ohio .
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