A strong start sets the tone for the year.

Children thrive when they know what to expect, especially when we a returning to school after a great summer full of fun and free time.  Routines help reduce stress, improve attention, and make mornings calmer for everyone.

3 Strategies for August:

1. Visual Morning Routine: If every morning looks and feels the same, it will create a sense of safety and comfort. Motivating them to take charge of their day and start their days with positive feelings. 

Try: Posting a picture chart for younger kids or a checklist for older ones in their bedroom and/or bathroom and/or in areas where they have to complete tasks while they get ready for school. 

For more information: https://www.pbs.org/parents/routines

2. Connection Before Correction: In order to obtain compliance from our children we need to create connections. The responsibilities and changes that come with school; can initially create obstacles in everyday tasks and communications. 

Try: Greet your child warmly before reminding them of tasks.

For more information: https://www.positivediscipline.com/articles

3. Daily Family Check-In: Back to school is and exciting time. 

Try: 5 minutes to ask, “What was your favorite part of today?”

Remember this: 

• Boundaries are best built on connection. 

• Rules stick when kids feel understood.

• Consistent routines help students transition smoothly into the learning day.

Building Independence One Step at a Time

As the first month of school settles in, kids are adjusting to routines, expectations, and new responsibilities. September is the perfect time to help them build independence—skills that not only make mornings smoother, but also help them grow confidence in the classroom.

3 Strategies for September:

1. Teach the Power of Packing Up

Encourage your child to be responsible for their own backpack and materials. This teaches organization and reduces last-minute stress. 

Try: Set aside 10 minutes each evening for your child to pack their homework folder, lunch, and special items for the next day.

For more information: https://www.childrensdayton.org/the-hub/10-tips-raising-independent-kids

2. Let Them Make Choices

Children feel more invested when they have a voice in small decisions. Choices also cut down on power struggles. 

Try: Offer two options for after-school snack or let them choose between two outfits. This builds decision-making skills without overwhelming them.

For more information: https://thoughtfulparent.com/giving-kids-choices-parents-guide.html

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcome

Kids thrive when their hard work is noticed, not just when they “win” or “get it right.” 

Try: Instead of saying “Good job,” try: “I noticed how hard you worked on your reading homework tonight.”

For more information: https://www.ingenuityproject.org/files/2019/09/Growth-Mindset-for-Parents.pdf

October: Building Emotional Awareness

By October, students are more comfortable in class and with peers. Still big feelings can still appear. Also the feared "afternoon crash" shows up alongside frustration or worry. Recognizing and naming emotions build resilience and strengthen problem solving skills. 

3 Strategies for October:

1. Name It to Tame It: 

• When children can label their feelings, they can manage them more effectively.

• Try: Use simple language like, “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated because the math homework is tricky.”

2. Calm-Down Corner at Home: 

• Create with them a quiet, cozy space helps kids learn self-regulation. At AWE students use calm corners to self-regulate and  be able to return to their tasks. Calm down corners at home are most useful when frustrations around chores, routines or family changes impact the daily. Having these spaces allows everyone in the family to take some space to process, and regulate their emotions.  

• Try: Create a spot with a pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal where your child can cool down when emotions run high. 

• For more information: https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/Calm-Down-Area_Tipsheet.pdf

3. Use Stories to Teach Feelings: 

• Books are powerful tools for practicing empathy and emotional language.

• Try: After reading, ask: “How do you think that character felt? What would you do if you were them?”

• For ideas on possible books for your family: https://bookwizard.scholastic.com/

Remember this:
Emotions are not problems to fix. They are signals to guide learning and connection.