January is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about the rest of the school year. The end of winter break is upon us, and that can be anticlimactic for children. Most kids and teens hide under the covers, hoping that their parents will forget that school is back in session.
Fortunately, we can help make the transition easier for our kids. If your child is struggling with the back-to-school blues as it nears January, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to help them get through the month.
Schedule parent-teacher conferences
To ensure that the new school year starts on a positive note, schedule a meeting with your child’s teachers and therapists. You can also visit their service providers to help ease the transition back into school. You can also get a list of things to do to help reinforce the learning that your child is doing at school.
You should also consider implementing home routines, home exercises, or lessons that can help improve your child’s development. Having regular check-ins with your child’s teachers can help support their learning.
Get physical activity
As the winter season approaches, it’s important that you and your child are getting enough physical activity. While it’s fun for a little while to be snuggled up under blankets and playing video games, it’s important that children get the right amount of physical activity a day. According to the CDC, children should move at least 60 minutes daily.
Take your child for a walk in the woods, build a snowman, go sledding, or ice-skate with them. These activities can help keep them active and develop new skills. Your child can also join adaptive sports teams or special Olympics classes if necessary.
Prioritize sleep
It’s important to establish a bedtime routine that’s consistent with your child’s age. During the holidays, many of us get lax about our bedtime routines. January is a great month to start making good habits, such as turning off electronic devices and setting a schedule that’s consistent with your child’s sleep. You can also help your child develop a relaxing atmosphere by avoiding light and noise. Be sure to check with your child’s pediatrician to ensure that your child is getting enough sleep.
Practice what you preach
It’s incredibly important to be a good role model for your children, as they will follow you. Model good sleeping habits, exercise, and cut down on your screen time. It’s also important that you take care of yourself, as it will allow you to provide better care for your family.
Preparing for the new year should be invigorating for your child, with new experiences on the horizon. These are just a few of the things that you can do to ensure that your child has an incredible rest of the school year!
Dr. Edward S. Thalheimer is the President and Founder of The Tutoring Center® Franchise Corp. For our part, we here at The Tutoring Center® are continuing to provide one-to-one instruction combined with The Rotational Approach to Learning® to prevent children from slipping through the cracks academically. Our programs help children achieve long-term success, build concentration and focus, and, with our outstanding instructors, find the love of learning. Don’t let your child fall behind this school year. If you’re interested in learning more, or you are interested in opening The Tutoring Center® in your community and joining a team of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide, please visit our website at TutoringCenter.com