Structure
- Kids thrive off a regular schedule.
- Create a collaborative schedule with your child.
- Maintain that schedule so they know what to expect.
- Make it Visual! Put it on a calendar in the kitchen, near the door, or any place they can see it.
- Set perimeters around sleep. It can seem harmless to let your child dictate their sleep schedule. This often leads to students staying up late and sleeping into the afternoon. These sleep patterns will create challenges when the student is expected to wake up earlier for school. Try to maintain a 8-10 hour sleep routine for your child.
- Continue with chores. Kids depends on expectations. Anything from sweeping the floors to mowing the lawn. These will promote accountability, self-motivation, and responsibility.
School Skills
- Your child learned so much over the past year! Lets continue their progress.
- Reading. Encourage your child to spend at least 20 minutes per day.
- Take your child on field trips. Museums, Zoo's, monuments, and State Parks are a great way to continue your child's academic progress.
- Camps or summer programs are also a great way to maintain and enhance your child's academic progress. Local parks and recreation areas typically display programs for the summer.
Engaged
- Keeping a students engaged can promote healthy brain development.
- Get back to socialization. We were forced to isolate with our loved ones for the past two years. Lets remind our children the importance of talking to people in person. Set up play dates, sleep overs, etc.
- Spend time outside! Nature has scientifically shown decrease in depression and anxiety. Have your child go for a walk, ride a bike/skateboard/scooter, play a sport, swim at a pool or beach, or even relax out in the sun.
- Set perimeters on video games. The pandemic caused our world to be more digital. Video games are an easy outlet for children to activate their critical thinking and social with their peers. Too much screen time can cause challenges later on (emotional and behavioral issues). Set an expectation with your child. I recommend 1-2 hours per day.
Help is right around the corner
Associated Clinic of Psychology is here to provide mental health services to students and their families. Consult with your child's school counselor or contact us directly with questions. www.acp-mn.com or 612-455-8643
Website: www.acp-mn.com
Phone: 612.925.6033