The Home-School Connection (page 2 of 2)

Ease Morning Stress

We all want our children to go to school rested, awake, and enthusiastic about and equipped for their day. But without careful organization and enough time between the alarm clock and the school bus, you can end up with a manic morning that gets everyone off on the wrong foot. Try these get-it-together strategies instead.

Rise and shine After many experiences of yelling up the stairs for children to wake up, we gave each of our boys an alarm clock. You'll find, as we did, that the sooner kids get used to being responsible for waking themselves, the better your morning will be. Some parents start this in third grade; others wait as late as fifth. If your children like to lie in bed awhile, set alarm clocks half an hour ahead.

Allot enough time Cramming down a piece of toast on the way out the door to the bus is not a great way to start the day. Not all kids like a big breakfast, but they're likely to eat more if they have time to dawdle a little. Many busy parents also try to have enough time in the morning to do a pleasurable activity with their children: reading a book, starting a puzzle, even just chatting over a bowl of cereal. This is especially helpful to younger kids who are feeling reluctant about leaving.

Create a calm atmosphere One friend of mine, a mother of two, always plays CDs of classical music while she and her family are having breakfast. "I read somewhere that children who listen to Mozart while they're studying do better on tests," she says. "I don't know if it's true, but in the morning it sure beats television." In fact, many parents ban morning television watching altogether.

Make Plans as a Family
Even if your child takes a break before beginning homework, it's a good idea to establish certain habits the minute he or she walks through the door. Always putting your backpack and papers in the same place -- in your room, by the garage door or on a designated hook -- avoids those "I-can't-find-it" wails when kids are ready to do their work.

Older children need to check their assignment books to remind themselves what their workload is for the day and whether they have any long-term projects to start or continue. This way, they can decide if there's time to go out and shoot a few hoops or ride their bikes before buckling down again.

Keep a Family Calendar
All parents know how hard it is to manage schedules for more than one person. Many families post a month-by-month calendar in the kitchen or family room along with school and team announcements to help them keep track of where every child has to be and when. One family I know with three children uses a different color marker for each family member. Music lessons, soccer games, a big report on monkeys due in three weeks: all should go on the calendar, and everyone should check it regularly. Review the week ahead on Sunday evenings.

When children are young, home and school are the two most important parts of their lives. What happens at one usually affects the other. On the home-to-school route, our children carry both family problems that worry them and family values about learning. Kids are barometers of their environment, and when things are good, it's easier for them to do better in school.

• • Parenting Kids

• Are You Spending Too Much on Back-to-School Needs?
• What can you expect when you and your teen hit the stores this fall? Find out how much money the average American family spends on the new school year -- and see how your expenses compare.
• 
• Back-to-School Fun With Food
• Whether your kids dread or look forward to going back to school, you're sure to put smiles on their faces with these recipes.
• 
• Back-to-School Safety Tips
• You can help protect your children from the most frequent kinds of school-related injuries by following these practical, proven tips.
• 
• Before Your Child Goes Back to School
• A checklist of the most important things to remember for your child's new school year.
• 
• Countdown to Preschool
• Your child may be registered for preschool, but is he ready?
• 
• Secrets of Straight-A Students
• Education experts and students reveal the secrets of maintaining high grades.
• 
• The Ultimate Off-to-College Checklist
• 
• What Teachers Want Your Child to Know
• The social and emotional development milestones teachers expect of children.
• 
• When Your Child Hates School
• Some of the most common reasons kids hate school -- and strategies to put them back on the road to success.
• 

• Be Inspired
• 10 Celebrities Who Give Back
• 7 Amazing Stories, $700,000 to Charity
• Virginia Cervasio: Making It Matter
• PLUS:
• Quiz: What's Your Celebrity Cause IQ?