Whether you're in a committed relationship, or raising your children as a single parent, sending your kids back to school can be a challenge for all involved.
Adrienne C. Laursen, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of The Engagement Coach, provides 7 tips for getting the new school year off to a good start.
1. Start early with new routines and schedules, and provide your child with academic refreshers.
2. Talk with your children about school anxiety, social anxiety and /or teacher anxiety.
3. Discuss peer pressures, bullying, online/social media appropriateness, etc.
4. Visit the school with your child (especially if they're going to a new school).
5. Meet the teacher! Even if you're divorced or sharing custody, it's important to both be involved in your children's education and well-being.
6. Make a "family" calendar, with all important upcoming events so that the whole family is aware of the new schedules.
a. Divorced parents resources for sharing custody schedules:
www.ourfamilywizard.com
www.jointparents.com
www.cofamilies.com
7. Plan "check-in" meetings with your children, so you can stay up-to-date with their day.
For more information on Adrienne's counseling services and free relationship tips, please visit her website at www.TheEngagementCoach.com
