Getting Back In The School Groove

My son has the school blues. It's hard for him to get to bed at night much less be ready for school on time. Staying on task while at school and completing homework assignments are now monstrous endeavors.

• Reestablish bedtime and morning procedures forgotten since the holidays. The guiding principle -- regardless of when the child goes to sleep or gets out of bed the next day, he/she must leave for school when necessary.
• Each child differs on how much sleep he/she needs. If an older child wants to stay up later, you can say, "You should be in your room by 8:30 p.m. You can turn out the light when you are sleepy." The sleepy-eyed child who abuses the privilege will find it hard to be ready when required in the morning. Make that a lesson - suggest that he/she turn out the light sooner. Continued abuse can mean losing the privilege.
• Have child get clothes and backpack organized the night before.
• Set a morning agenda with your child. This can vary depending on the child's age. Play and television are enjoyed if the schedule is fulfilled.
• To keep a child on his morning schedule use a small clock or timer. When the buzzer goes off at intervals, the child needs to be at a different stage -- dressed, breakfast finished or teeth brushed.
• Have consequences for inaction or tardiness. Discuss in advance. For difficult cases, Foster Cline and Jim Fay in "Parenting with Love and Logic" recommend saying, "My car will be leaving by 8:00 a.m. You are expected to go with it whether you are ready or not." If the child hasn't eaten, he forfeits breakfast. A child not dressed may have clothes put in the car with him or carry them in a bag to the bus stop. (If using this procedure, enlist teacher's support in advance, since child may need to complete dressing at school!)
• Repeated tardiness can mean a grounding or taking away privileges.
• Work with your teacher to get child back on track at school. Tasks not completed during class can be done at recess and/or brought home where they are tackled first. Regular homework assignments come next. A tough schedule with little free time will make it more appealing to do classwork.
• Each day discuss homework assignments with your child and together estimate the length of time needed to complete them.
• If a child (who has done classwork) is weary of starting homework right away, alter the schedule. Allow a break, then a homework period followed by a break and more homework. Use a timer to keep your child on task until a break.
• Help children reorganize desk space and restock home and school supplies. Purchase a new notebook, cool-colored markers and unique pencils.
• Develop an incentive program. Praise daily when tasks are completed on time. Try a coupon system. Make up various coupons each offering something different, for example -- an outing of choice, extra allowance, a day with no chores and a movie rental. Put coupons in a jar and have child draw one out every three or four days when tasks and schedules have been fulfilled.

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