The
8 WNY Family September 2018 of a Successful School Year
Accept new challenges – Push your child to go outside of his comfort zone . Encourage him to try activities , learn new sports and make new friends .
Breakfast – We all know breakfast is an important meal . If your child does not have time for a sit-down breakfast , provide on-the-go breakfast foods like muffins , fruit , or protein bars .
Chores – Give your child a few jobs that you expect done each day before or after school , such as making her bed or feeding the dog . A little bit of responsibility will go a long way .
Downtime – Be sure to add free time to their schedule . These are the times your child can relax on the couch , play video games or have a last minute pickup game with friends in the neighborhood .
Exercise – Balance your child ’ s sedentary school day with plenty of exercise outside after school . Combine unstructured play with
— by Pam Molnar
A successful school year is as easy as learning your ABCs . Check out these 26 simple tips for a happy and healthy school year .
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H I friends with a more structured team practice .
Friends – Encourage your child to invite new friends over so you can get to know the person your child is spending time with . It is a great opportunity to meet the friend ’ s parents , too .
Grab and Go Snacks – Your child will be hungry after school . Instead of grabbing a handful of cookies , provide them with pre-bagged healthy snacks that won ’ t interfere with the dinner hour . Think veggies and dip or hummus and crackers .
Help your child , but don ’ t do it for him – We want our children to succeed , but they will never learn if we do it for them . It is okay to give suggestions , but remember that it is their name on the paper .
Illness – It ’ s back to school and back to a room full of germs . Stock your child ’ s backpack or desk with tissues and hand sanitizer . Remind them to wash their hands and to sneeze into their arm .
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Join - Encourage your child to join activities at school . It gives them a sense of belonging and they will be more than just another face in the crowd .
Keep Trying – It is hard to see your child not get the role , position or grade that he hoped for . Encourage your child to pick himself back up and try again . Disappointment builds character and gives them the tools to succeed .
Limitations - Only you know your child ’ s limitations . While being a part of extracurricular activities is important , sometimes they are overwhelming . It ’ s okay to say no to invitations and extra practice when you see your child is overwhelmed .
Be Mindful of Others ’ Feelings – Think before you say it and apologize if it comes out wrong . Practice “ the more the merrier ” when making plans and include new friends in your group .
Nutrition – Plan healthy meals ahead of time . Stock up on ingredients for quick healthy meals that your family enjoys . Save time by using the crockpot or prepping food ahead of time .
Get Organized – Save yourself some sanity in the mornings by organizing things the night before . Lay out clothes , make lunches before you go to bed , and put backpacks and shoes in the same place each night .
Provide a good example – While words are important , your actions mean so much more . In other words , practice what you preach .