Studio 5 Contributor Maggie Stevens says teaching children to be self-sufficient, can cut down on common Back-to-School frustrations.
Back to School-Teaching kids to be self sufficient
It seems that just when you have adjusted to a summer schedule, school begins for fall, which means a whole new routine. When school starts, moms have more time and freedom, which is a welcome relief. But it can be quite stressful when your child comes home at the end of their first day frustrated with problems. Remember your child is facing new classes, new teachers, new schedules, and plenty of new expectations. Whenever there is change involving new opportunities, there is also excitement, tears, frustration and confusion. Sometimes as parents we expect our children to handle these problems on their own. Most children need help learning organization skills. If you can teach your child to be self sufficient or more organized, you can lesson the frustrations.
As a parent, your goal is to teach your child organization skills so eventually they will be self sufficient.
Acknowledge that each child will have new problems as they return to school. Your goal is to solve each problem as they arrive calmly. By doing this you are teaching them problem solving techniques that will benefit them throughout their lives.
1. Discuss the problem with your child.
2. Discuss possible solutions.
3. Let your child choose the solution.
4. Help your child accomplish the desired solution
Example Problem:
Lost notes from a teacher or missing homework assignments.
Example Solutions:
1. Organized Backpack
2. Organize an area at home for school assignments
3. Organization at school for locker or desk
4. Buy a planner and show your child how to use it
5. Go online to check student’s progress
Remember:
1. You are “teaching”. Do not expect that your child automatically knows how to organize or be self sufficient.
2. Have patience, especially with those kids that are lacking in organizational skills. Do not expect perfection immediately
3. Stay calm. This is not a problem that should destroy the relationship
4. Your child wants to be successful. Your child wants to be self sufficient. Help them to find that success.
Parenting Workshop
Thursday, September 16th
Barnes and Noble
10180 South State Street
Sandy, Utah
7:30 p.m.
Register online at www.parentfix.com
To ask questions, join the discussion board, or schedule Maggie for a parenting workshop, visit
www.parentfix.com
Parent Fix by Maggie Stevens
Available at:
King’s English Book Shop
Frost’s Books
amazon.com
Add comment