Positive Young Minds
  • HOME
    • About Kim
    • Session Fee Policy
    • FAQ
    • Online Bookings
    • Links
  • Children & Adolescents
    • COUNSELLING
    • Learning Difficulties
  • Parents
    • How to talk to teens
    • Looking after yourself
  • Self-Care for Psychologists
    • Small Group Program
    • Online Course
  • Mindfulness
    • Mindfulness For Children
    • For Teens
  • BLOG

Creating Connection 

NINE THINGS TO INCLUDE IN A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE.

25/1/2019

 
There are nine things I recommend you include in a school success schedule.  And why does your child, especially if they are just starting school, need a schedule?  And what's the point when COVID is still disrupting your life on a regular and in an unpredictable way....

WHY CREATE A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE? 
​The main reason to set up a school success schedule is to counteract this unpredictability and be active in controlling what you can.  
​
Going through this process helps everyone in the family, particularly your child, know what to expect.  This predictability will help with easing the stress associated with starting a new school year.

When your child starts school for the first time, (or even for the 10th time) there is a shift in routine.  From holiday rhythm to school structure.  This is a huge change and can be a source of stress for parents and children.  

There are also a huge  number of questions that need answers.  Who is doing drop offs, pick ups?  What time do we need to get up, go to bed?  When do we prepare lunches?  What activities are scheduled for after school?  Is that too much, too little?  Reading? Bath or shower in the morning or at night?  How much time people have in the morning really varies. Does your child naturally wake early or late?  Is there a commute to school?  Do they have a bus to catch?  
School success schedule
School Countdown - School Success Schedule

The aim is for your child to get to school on time and to get home from school, safely.  How this happens is flexible.

There are no right or wrong answers to many of these questions.  But like most things, open communication means people are less likely to argue based on assumptions or lack of information.

​
WHAT DO YOU PUT IN A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE? 
​If  you want your child to thrive here are 9 things that may help.
The aim is for your child to get to school on time and to get home from school, safely.  How this happens is flexible. 
NINE STEPS TO A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE 
  1. Discuss the flow of the school week with your child. Think about where there is room for negotiation in how they want the flow to be.
  2. Make sure your child is clear of the flow of the school week.  Have it up visually where they can see it.  This is especially useful for children who are feeling a bit anxious, and for children who are living in a shared care arrangement.
  3. The day begins the night before.  Have clothes and everything needed ready for the day. Talk to your child to see if there is anything on the next day that they are looking forward to or that may be concerning them.  Encourage them to focus on the positive.  In the morning is when the preparation will pay off.  
  4. If your child is going to eat breakfast they need time to eat at their pace and then allow time for digestion and toileting (at least 20 minutes after eating).  If this is not possible, ensure they have something simply but densely nutritious to eat as soon as they can.
  5. Do not over schedule after school activities.  Having to go to school and concentrate, socialise, sit still, obey, do their best…it  can all be very exhausting.
  6. Put in a transition time between school and home. If you are picking your child up, playing at a local park, walking part of the way home, and/or having an after school snack available can be very helpful.
  7. Provide a range of non-screen down time calming activities for your children when they come home.  Reading, colouring in, blowing bubbles, playing at the park, catching and throwing a ball in the backyard..
  8. Work out the best time to chat with your child about their day – probably not straight after school!  For tips on communication see my videos on Youtube, including tips for talking to your child after school.  -   
  9. Find time to read with your child everyday - .
 
As you can see, this is really a non-schedule schedule.  Lots of free time to allow for relaxation, movement and creativity, with enough structure to provide predictability and regular parent-child interaction.  
 
These are the things that make a wonderful schedule.

​You can look in more detail about managing uniforms and managing anxiety about starting school, and you are welcome to can book a session with me to help you set up your own School Success Schedule.

Until next time, take care of yourself
 
Kim Ross
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL JOURNAL

Comments are closed.
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Christmas
    Family Dynamics
    Happiness
    Kindness
    Mindfulness
    Noticing Emotions
    Parenting
    Psychologists
    School
    School Holidays
    Self Care
    Simplify
    Sleep
    Strengths

    RSS Feed

    Disclaimer

    * My aim is for these posts is meant to useful, interesting and/or inspiring. They are not designed to be used for therapy..  If you are experiencing stress please contact your GP or mental health professional. 

    Author

    Kim Ross is a Psychologist and Founder of Positive Young Minds and Essential Self-Care for Psychologists. 

Kim Ross - helping you learn positive mental health strategies for a calmer, happier and healthier life.

POSITIVE YOUNG MINDS
Creating Calm, Connection and Confidence in yourself and your future.
Positive Young Minds donates 2% of income to initiatives that benefit the environment and/or local mental health of youth.  One of the organisations we support is Bush Heritage Australia. 


Call: +61 408 533 515

I work with people from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences.  I believe everyone should have the freedom to be themselves and valued for their differences.  It's what makes our world go round.
Fax: +61390864164

@2021 Kim Ross | ABN 35811757812 ! All Rights Reserved ! Terms and Conditions ! Privacy 
Photo used under Creative Commons from fred_v
  • HOME
    • About Kim
    • Session Fee Policy
    • FAQ
    • Online Bookings
    • Links
  • Children & Adolescents
    • COUNSELLING
    • Learning Difficulties
  • Parents
    • How to talk to teens
    • Looking after yourself
  • Self-Care for Psychologists
    • Small Group Program
    • Online Course
  • Mindfulness
    • Mindfulness For Children
    • For Teens
  • BLOG