Back to school family time
Who doesn’t love summer? At the end of the school year we are all ready for a break from homework, practices, and papers coming home (seriously!) But, by summer’s halfway point, I am looking forward to the routine and normalness of the school year. As it happens, I was blessed with the gift of organization – I am a list-making, schedule-loving, home-manager-in-chief. As a busy, working mom with three (or four, if you count my husband) boys to care for, my home thrives on order. Of course that’s not always the case – like you, there are many times when it seems like nothing is “together” and my house is in disarray.
Here is my back to school list:
1. Mondays to Thursdays are “unplugged” with TV, Video Games, and all other electronic entertainment are shut down.
When are oldest was a baby, we noticed that the evenings just flew by if we were watching television, and it didn’t seem like “quality” time. We made a rule then, and continue today, to spend time together as a family without distractions during the school week. First, it helps tremendously with homework time – there is no rushing through in order to watch TV or get on the computer. Second, we enjoy using our sometimes brief time after school and work playing board games and cards, cooking, talking, or playing outside.
2. Year-round reading lists.
Cultivating a love of reading in our children is one of the most important things we can do for their long-term educational success. No matter what required reading they are doing in school, your student should also have a book they are reading for “pleasure” – and by that I mean, they chose the book (from a list of options you present) and it’s not for a grade (although you should hold them accountable by asking occasional questions). The amount of daily reading time varies depending on the child’s age and school workload, but whether it is 10 minutes or 60, your child will learn to enjoy reading and will improve their vocabulary and comprehension in the process.
3. Eat dinner together, and share your highs and lows of the day.
It is so important that we parents know what is going on with our students during the school day, but pulling that information out can be a monumental challenge (especially with boys!) Consistently sitting down to dinner as a family takes serious commitment and organization, but helps tremendously. First, you’ll need something to eat at home! I block off a few hours on the weekend (sometimes early in the morning or late at night) to shop for groceries and immediately get meals ready for the week. I love to cook, but I keep it simple and quick. Eating together (and the interaction that activity provides) is far more important than what is on the plate. Second, homework happens immediately after school - grab a snack and get to work, kids. If my sons go to after school care, I make sure the staff know they must complete homework before any other activity. Our family goes around the table to share the “highs” and “lows” of the day, which prompts discussion of the good and the bad happening at school.
Your student’s home life has a tremendous effect on their success in the classroom. Quality relationships in the home build your child’s confidence, which helps them to do their best. Also, we know that parental involvement is the number one indicator of academic performance. So, I challenge you to make your own ‘unconventional back-to-school checklist’ of ways your family can improve home time, and have a positive impact on school as well!
Erika Donalds is a mother of three boys and a member of the Collier County School Board since 2014. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Partner at a New York-based investment management firm.