August 05, 2022
top trending topics
✋ Even as a parent yourself, you can set healthy boundaries with your own parents.
🚙 Handle school drop-offs with ease with these tips.
🍼 If motherhood isn’t what you thought it would be, read this for some affirmation.
✏️ Back to school doesn’t have to be full of stress & drama- start the year off right with these reminders.
💃 Having a regular date night is a game-changer, especially as parents. Here’s why.
tips & tricks for growth
8 back to school parenting tips
Wait, what? It’s already time for school to start? How did this happen when it seems like just yesterday kids were doing the happy dance as they got off the bus and headed home for summer break?
While most parents love the more relaxed schedule during the summer months, plenty of parents will be doing their own happy dance as their children head off to school and everybody settles into a routine. In an effort to kick off the school year with less stress and as little drama as possible…
🎒There Are Some Things Parents Can Do Ahead of Time to Set the Stage:
- It’s okay to say “no” when commitments get too demanding. Many child experts warn parents about the stress children experience when they participate in too many activities. Ask yourself, “Are we in control of our schedule, or does it control us?”
- Saying “no” can be for you, too. On top of children being stressed, parents really have to consider their own bandwidth when it comes to school, work and additional commitments. A stressed-out, tired parent who is always at the end of their rope typically leads to more drama. Ask yourself, “Will my family benefit more from this activity or from an unstressed parent?”
- Routines and structure at home will help everyone. Having consistency at home is best for children and parents alike. When you set a bedtime, morning, and getting home routine, you’ll actually decrease stress for children (and adults) because they know what to expect. Ask your family, “What’s one routine we can start that will help everyone after getting home from school?”
handle school drop-offs with ease
By John Daum
Help! My child’s teacher has requested a parent-teacher conference!
I taught middle school and high school for over 20 years and I’ve raised five children. I’ve been on both sides of the teacher’s desk for conferences. I’ve been on both ends of difficult telephone calls. As a teacher, I’ve had to try to convince parents that their “little darling” needed to make some changes academically or behaviorally. On the flip side, as a parent, I’ve felt the burning desire to defend my child and desperately want to believe my kid’s side of the story.
The truth is that conferences can be hard on both the parent and the teacher. Think about it: here are two adults (both authority figures) who may have never spoken before thrust into a conversation about a child they might have very different experiences with.
You can make the conference more a conversation than confrontation with these tips.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Reggie Madison, a husband, Dad of 7 (Yes, you read that right, he and his wife are wayyy outnumbered!), and the VP of Community Relations here at First Things First! Take a peek at his recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀:
👨🍳 Sally’s Baking Recipe Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch– Admittedly, I haven’t personally used this recipe, but my 15-year-old daughter has many times, and there’s always an ensuing fight amongst the rest of us to eat the delicious rolls immediately after they exit the oven.
👨👧Dad, Here’s What I Really Need from You: A Guide for Connecting with Your Daughter’s Heart by Michelle Watson- A workbook for helping dads connect with their daughter through the phase when it’s often the hardest.
📗 101 Things Great Dads Do: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference: by Jay Payleitner- 101 quick hitters for dads (and moms) from a faith-based approach that builds strong relationships and connections with your kids.
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