Search
Generic filters
Exact matches only
Filter by Custom Post Type
HQ

Toronto, Canada

312 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301
Toronto, Ontario - M5V 1R2
Canada
Fine Print
SponsoredParenting

5 Tips to Make This a Stellar School Year

Written by Pete McGovern

Even though the school year’s already underway, it’s not too late to make it the best one yet. From hanging out with friends every day to unforgettable experiences year-round, there’s a lot going on for your little ones. Make sure both of you don’t get caught up in the hassle by setting up a solid game plan. If you act quickly, it can even be ready before the next time they step into school. Check out this list of our five make-school-the-best-ever tips.

1. Have Them Write a List of Goals for the School Year

A list of goals gives your kiddo a purpose and provides them with extra motivation to really make the school year count. What is it they hope to accomplish? Do they want to get better grades? Make a sports team? Create new friendships? Help them make a list with a few personal and academic goals. The more specific they are, the better.

You can help them document their progress as they work toward these goals. This will further reinforce the importance of achieving your objectives and provide them with an archive of their personal growth that you can cherish for decades and maybe even use to inspire your own children one day. Need inspiration to get started? Here are some ideas:

  • Save up $50 before the end of the year
  • Earn a B+ or higher in every class
  • Step out of your comfort zone and make five new friends
  • Join an athletic team or take up a new hobby

Ultimately, it all depends on what’s important to them and what you want to help them achieve.

2. Get a Head Start on the Homework

This tip might not sound like much fun for either of you, but getting a jump early on bigger assignments will help put them way ahead of the curve. Even a general outline of the curriculum can help you both get a head start on the subject matter. Because, let’s be honest, you’re definitely going to need a refresher on fractions or geography before helping them out. With your help, they’ll be ready to tackle any pop quiz.

Keep a relaxed environment and remember that the most important thing is for them to learn. Eventually, they might not even need your help anymore.

3. Invest in a Daily Planner

Hopefully, your child was given an agenda or a planner by their school, but if they weren’t, now is the time to get one. Their days are going to be a lot more full now and it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with classes, homework, extracurriculars, and social activities. If you don’t feel like playing personal assistant all the time, teach them how to keep track of some of these things on their own. A colourful notebook planner can make planning fun and have them excited to set reminders and organize their days.

4. Stock Up on New Threads

No matter the season, it’s always a great time to update your wardrobe. There’s certainly nothing wrong with them sporting their favourite apparel from last year, but there’s an actual scientific benefit to indulging in a mini shopping spree. Research shows that the right clothing can boost a person’s confidence and self-image, and these are precisely the qualities you want to exhibit when facing the challenges and uncertainties of a new school year.

It’s not enough to shop for new clothes, though. You should shop for the right clothes. What type of style makes them feel empowered? Boldly embroidered apparel? Graphic printed t-shirts? Custom-fitted hats? Maybe they love personalized hoodies, brightly coloured skirts, or something a little darker. Whatever the case, it’s important for them to find their unique style through their clothing. Specially made items, like custom shirts and custom logo sweatshirts, are excellent for expressing their individuality, so it’s up to them whether you want to design their own t-shirt or stick with something more conventional. The key is to ensure that the style is unique to them.

5. Make Them Clean Their Room From Top to Bottom

Believe it or not, having them do chores can do more than just build character (and keep your home cleaner). Numerous studies have linked a clean living environment to greater happiness, improved productivity, and better mental clarity. With all the stresses of school, you want to ensure that their personal space is conducive to relaxation, comfort, and focus. In other words, an uncluttered room makes for an uncluttered mind.

 

Start by helping them clean out their closet and remove any unnecessary items from their room. If you’re really feeling ambitious, you might even help them do some redecorating. Let plenty of natural light in and try to promote as much open space as possible. With a clean, inviting room, they’ll look forward to coming home from school every day, and might not even mind the homework so much.

Make This the Best School Year Ever

If you want to make the school year truly memorable for them, it’s important to help your kiddos embrace every day with a plan, a purpose, and a style that’s all their own. Get out there and make this the best year yet!

*Opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Parent Life Network or their partners.

s