Cover story, continued ...
BE INVOLVED
IT’S OKAY TO BE EMOTIONAL
prepared. You might feel excited for them to experience this new milestone. Or, you might feel nostalgic thinking about how quickly they have grown up. Any or all of these emotions are perfectly normal, but remember this: That small hand you struggle to let go of at the start of the day will be the same one waving excitedly at you at the end of it.
Perhaps even more important than teaching the basics is being an advocate for your child. Being an advocate can mean things like giving your child’s teacher pertinent information on allergies, learning styles, or educational accommodations; meeting with administration and the school nurse to establish professional relationships; asking questions about unfamiliar processes; and knowing your child’s educational rights. Every child has a right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), so if your child needs extra time on tests or additional materials to help understand content, communicate with your local Parent Training and Information Center to find an advocate who can assist you with these types of accommodations. Another key way to get involved in your child’s education is to volunteer in the classroom when you can. This can help you stay involved in your child’s education and forge a bond with your child’s educators.
With all of these changes, one of the most important things to remember is that it is okay for you to be emotional. Whether you are sending your first, third, or eighth kid off to school, the situation is bound to stir up deeper emotions. You might feel stressed because you aren’t sure that they are fully
schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious. TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in. You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way to manage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks; it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love. Need a Personal Assistant to Manage Your Kids’ Crazy Schedules? Try These 3 Tips Instead
School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year can make it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and find more time for yourself. TAG TEAM There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” exists because managing the stressors of life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities — or if you’re lucky, have some freedom. THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
Technology makes organization easier and more accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s
2 • risingsunphysicaltherapy.com
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