Is Your Family Ready For School?
Before your kids head back to school this fall there are a few things that every parent should remember. Here are some helpful tips from Timberland Charter Academy in Muskegon.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL
1. Find out if any physical examinations or immunizations are required.
2. See if there are any new registration requirements this year.
3. Get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)
4. Go over school rules with your child.
BE PREPARED WITH SCHOOL MATERIALS
1. Before the first day of school, make sure your child finds out what school supplies and materials are required.
2. Make sure to stock up on paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. Take advantage of the back-to-school sales and stock up early.
CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER
1. Go through your kid’s closets and giveaway clothes that don’t fit. This will help determine what they still need before school starts.
2. Make sure they have a clean room before the school year starts. It’s good to start the year off organized.
GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME
1. Make lunches the night before to save time in the morning.
2. Lay out your child’s clothes for the entire week on Sunday night.
3. All items that will be taken to school or worn and taken off at school need to be labled. Include your child’s name, address, phone number, and any other important contact information.
4. Take some time before the start of school to make sure you and your child know where to go and what to do on that first morning. If your child walks, map out the safest route to school. If they take the bus, make sure they know where to catch it.
5. As the first day draws near, begin talking to your child about expectations, hopes and fears for the upcoming school year.
MAKING BEDTIME EASIER
1. Have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
2. Spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up and getting ready for the next morning.
PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER
1. Set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area.
2. Family meeting once a week to discuss each person’s schedule.
3. Be sure to block off family time at least once a week.
I’ve been a part of the WOOD TV8 team since 2005. As Special Projects Producer, I work side by side with Maranda making things happen behind the scenes. I coordinate Maranda’s Park Parties each summer and produce a variety of station broadcasts and events through out the year. I also serve as the producer of Maranda’s weekly half-hour show, Where You Live. I love the variety of my job and getting to be a part of the impact Maranda is making on kids in our community!
Outside of work, I've been married for seven years to my husband John and we have two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Stella. When I'm not busy trying to keep up with the kids, I spend "me time" reading fashion or celebrity magazines, sneaking in some good reality television, walking around Reeds Lake with girlfriends and exploring new restaurants with my hubby.
Inspirations for my blog come from my daily life as a busy working mom -- trying to juggle a full time job and be a full time mom to a spitfire five year old and a new baby.