Tag You're It by Angela Pruitt

August.  The last few weeks of summer camps, vacations, and activities.  It represents the ending of summer.  For parents/guardians, students, teachers, and school staff, the school bells are ringing in the distance.  The sound increases in volume with every day bringing the first day of school closer.  This time of year takes my mind back to the last day of school.  Many teachers and staff were so excited about summer break that they arrived on that day wearing a t-shirt saying, “Parents, Tag…..You’re It!”  It tickles me everytime I see it.  Although the shirt emphasizes that the teaching staff is ready for a break, the shirt symbolizes a deeper meaning.  It recognizes that parents and guardians and the teaching staff are in a partnership where they take turns leading the education of their children.  

So, now that we are within weeks of school starting, at least in many counties in Illinois, parents and guardians are gearing up to don their t-shirts saying, “Teachers, Tag…..You’re It!”  But wait a minute parents and guardians.  Before you don your shirts, I encourage you to take the last few weeks and days to prepare your children for the upcoming school year mentally and emotionally .  I want to suggest 3 activities to start you off in your preparation using the acronym, T.A.G.

T - Encourage your child to be Thankful.  Have them reflect on all the things that made this summer good.  Although they may not have been able to do everything they wanted to do this summer, teach them that there is always something to be thankful for in this life.  Such as being…..

• Thankful for the warm sun on their skin, eating ice cream and popsicles, and seeing the beautiful nature all around (i.e. the flowers and trees).
• Thankful they were able to go swimming, to the park, summer camp, or Vacation Bible School (VBS)
• Thankful for the time they were able to spend with friends and family.

Encouraging gratitude in each season can help children focus more on the positive than the negative creating a happier child.

A- Create Affirmations for the new school year with your child.  Help them to start the school year off thinking positively about it.  Think about the areas your child needs a confidence booster in and create an affirmation targeting it.  For example,

• I am smart and I believe in myself.
• I am not afraid to ask questions or ask for help when needed because everyone needs help sometimes.
• I am kind to others in my words and actions.

Affirmations should be stated daily to reaffirm and remind your child of what they believe.

G- Set Goals with your child for the new school year.  Old successes and failures are in the past.  Teach them to focus on the present.  What do they want to accomplish this year?  Goals are encouraged to be attainable, time-sensitive, and specific.  Sample goals can be….

• I will attain the A/B honor roll every quarter this year.
• I will get involved in a club or sport this year at school or in the community.
• I will not talk during quiet times this school year.

The key to setting goals is planning to achieve them.  One way to do that is to have the goals posted and review them often (i.e. monthly).  Also, celebrate the goals that have been achieved.  This encourages your child to want to set more goals.  When goals are not reached, encourage your child to try again next time.  

Again, these are just a few tips to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.  In addition to the new backpacks, clothes, and school supplies, let’s give our children something more to help them have a great year before telling the teaching staff, “Tag, You’re It!” 

HELP! I need an After-School Routine. 

Hello parents, 

Are things getting out of hand with gaming and screen time? Is your child forgetting to get homework completed? Do you hardly see your child after they get home? It may be time to look at an After-School Routine.

For children that are young and must manage themselves, you may want to provide a visual checklist or task board that is tied to weekly rewards or allowances. Base the final routine on your child’s needs, attention span and learning behaviors. Give your child time to unwind after school. You know what it’s like when you get home from work. Set time for a snack break, nap (if needed), homework/study, chores, screen time (TV/tech/games), dinner/family time, and bedtime. Allow time to review learning, at least once a week. Have your child teach you what they’ve learned. This can be included at the end of homework/study time. You will be able to assess what they know and understand, as well as when they’ve not grasped the concept(s). If they are stuck, refer them to resources that the teacher recommended, to refresh their memory and help with solutions. 

Please DO NOT forget to allow your child to be a kid and not just a student. They’ve spent a significant amount of time in school during the weekday. They are a part of the family, a community, and society. This is just as important in producing a well-rounded young person. Make sure you are preparing them for these roles in life, as well.