To help families alleviate back-to-school stresses in the household Kathi Jo DeYoung of Ignite Me discussed three recommendations for alleviating stress in the household during the back-to-school transition process:
1st: DATEBOOK DANCE. Each person in the family has a schedule and with school starting there are additional and new commitments. Overlay everyone's commitments for the next few months. Then once a week, do the datebook dance and look at what's coming up and if there are changes. You can do this on line or by hand written hard copy. Posting for the entire family to see can help.
2nd: BACKUP PLANS. While schools want an emergency contact you want peace of mind with back-up plans. Fall-back plans allow each family member contacts for when things get off track. Kids who are old enough, can have there own contacts for their fall back plans. Know who and how to contact. Communicate!
3rd: BEST WAYS TO LIVE. Good rules really are the best ways to live. Some examples that really matter during the back-to-school transition include regular bed times and wake up times. Your body will reset to that schedule and become easier. Better Ways to Live...NO technology in bed, turn off computer monitor. Studies show this ambient light disrupts sleep patterns. Have consistent meals - eating. Family time - talking!
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Additional credit to Entertainment & Media Consultant, Chris Petras
