It really IS the most wonderful time of the year! Back to school (or just back - depending on your school zone). Whether your student is starting kindergarten or going off to university, here are a few tips.
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Tip #1 - Read my Back to School letter (which I had forgotten about until @SharonDV tweeted it out last week. And I got all teary. Good Ghandi I loved writing that piece. It's kleenex-worthy really). Read it. With kleenex.
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Tip #2 - Forget that Back to School letter. I wrote it when I was a rookie mom. I have learned. Back to school is GOOD. The kids will be FINE. Really.
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Tip #3 - Put the kids on school schedule. That means early to bed, early to rise. Breakfast, teeth brushing, getting dressed and all that. Homework. Snacks. Friggin' lunch boxes.
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Tip #4 - Play the Food Game. Ask the kids to name a food (which they like) in the categories of Fruit, Snack, Lunch and Drink. Write down what they say. That food game white paper is your go-to lunch box list for the school year.
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Tip #5 - Play "Tell me" Most kids clam up when you ask about their school day.
What did you do?
Nothing.
Who did you play with?
Nobody.
Damn clams. Instead casually ask your student to "Tell me who got in trouble" "Tell me what the teacher wore" "Tell me 3 things you learned" Tell me 3 things you saw" "Tell me who got hurt"
Aside: I have found that the "tell me who got into trouble" and "tell me who got hurt" questions are the ones that open up the clams and get them to spill the beans.
Have a back to school tip? Please share it in the comments!
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