When I think of this song by Sade, I hear her dulcet tones and sultry groove. But I also think it’s a great backdrop to inspire having a calm start to your children’s day.
Leaving for school can be stressful, and this sets the tone for the rest of the day. But a few strategies can make the morning more like a mellow jazz pop tune… and less death metal:
- Have your child pack his/her school bag the night before and place it in the same spot every evening. That way, there’s no forgetting any homework for class.
- Do the same with sports equipment and all ride arrangements. That way, there’s no, “Can I text my mom/dad/sibling about…” requests when teaching is supposed to be taking place.
- Plan lunches the night before. It can actually be a nice ritual if there’s a fun bento-style lunch box and ready-made, healthy go-to items like baby carrots and apples; protein spreads like hummus, nut butters; string or cottage cheese; whole wheat pitas or tortillas… What better way to make sure they’re getting good nutrition than to buy these at the store?
- If they get ready and off to school by themselves, have a designated spot for all signed forms, tests, etc… That way, if your family are more like ships passing in the night, it makes communication easier.
- Have them choose their laundry the night before. Then, if laundry is an issue, they can help you put in a load of wash when they get home and dry it in the evening… never a last-minute scavenger hunt to find something 5 minutes before leaving… or being late.
If your child is from a two household situation, it’s even MORE important to have this system in place, since all variables that can potentially add more stress doubles.
Make the 153Promise to keep your kids stress-free by putting a few of the above strategies into play.
Kisses! XxXx
A "Trauma-Free Parenting" Initiative 