4 Tips for a Successful School Year

For many, the school year has already begun or is getting started.

Every year, we start out with great intentions of getting homework done without a struggle, getting the extracurricular activities organized and get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour… and then life takes over.

Occupational therapist Nancy Lawton-Shirley has four ideas about making this school year at least start the best way possible by getting your kids focused on the right things.

Eat and Sleep Well

Set a routine for each night that you try to keep as much as possible on the weekend to stay consistent. Let your child know that staying rested will help them from feeling overwhelmed and over-tired by all the activities of the new school year.

Eating healthy also helps. Lawton-Shirley says more protein in the morning and more carbohydrates at night makes for a better balance.

Organize

Go through the papers from school with your kids. Take the time to understand sign-ups for the school year and consider stocking up on extra school supplies at home. By doing some front-end work, you can help get the school year going right.

Prioritize Quiet Time

With all the homework and sports practices, it’s easy to forget to slow down and get calm. We’re always in high-gear. Lawton-Shirley suggests a DVD program called MeMoves (www.thinkingmoves.com) which helps kids focus their minds and bodies. In 3-minute sequences, the viewer mimics what they see on the screen.

“Teachers love to use it right after recess or other times when they need their students to calm down and concentrate,” she says. It’s also a great tool to use at home.”

Be Active

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids who are active have stronger bones and muscles, leaner bodies, less propensity to be overweight and how a better attitude about life. Kids who move sleep better and handle emotional and physical challenges better too.

So try these tips and see how great your school year begins.

Marijo Tinlin is the editor in chief of Family First, one of the oldest family-oriented websites on the internet. She is also the author of the new book “How to Raise an American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American” available at www.raisinganamericanpatriot.com.