Time For School

Each year, at the end of summer, families prepare for the start of a new school year. There are lists to be made, shopping to be done, and every store is brimming with families buying their school supplies.

As the school year approaches, sit down with your kids and make some plans. It isn't too early to start a school routine, plan after-school activities, or set school curfews.

Younger children, in particular, need preparation for the coming schedule. Fit reading and activity times into the day. Working parents may think this isn't important to them, if their children are in daycare during the summer: getting ready to learn is important to every child, especially if they are in a daycare setting that has no real curriculum. Spend time working on what your child will be doing, whether it's remembering their name and address or remembering what they learned last year. It helps children start the year more confidently.

Don't forget to plan "play" times with your children. Family time is very important, helping kids to wind down after sharing what they did that day. It also re-asserts the importance of family when they're spending so much time away from home.

Enjoy the start of another school year knowing you're preparing your child, and yourself, for what lies ahead.

Summer's echoes

By this time of year most parents are eagerly awaiting what their children are dreading...another school term. I have to admit, I like that my son will be getting his social time at Head Start. But this year it will be me and our two teenagers.

And I'm actually looking forward to it! I rarely have time to myself, or time alone with them. I enjoy being here and offering them experiences and information they couldn't get anywhere else.

We've formed a connection to an internet school where the teens can amass their credits and learn from someone new in a way that's interesting and exciting. At the same time, we'll be working on Arts, Culture, and Health/Fitness, along with other subjects we can enjoy. More life-friendly learning options, I suppose.

Not everyong shares my enthusiasm for teenagers, but even if you're counting the days until school starts, take some time to spend with the kids; time that is pointless, fun, and memorable. These days don't last. It seems I've just blinked and our kids are adults now. And we didn't spend nearly enough fun-time together.

When summer ends, I hope some part of every parent will hate to see that time with their children end for the year. (Homeschoolers and NoSchoolers may not encounter this.) If you haven't taken the time to spend an evening or afternoon with your child alone, make time now. When they're living their life, it will be nice to have shared memories, and maybe even discover you've created a family tradition (family game night is going to start here soon).

Kim

Parents Working From Home: Myth #1

Working from home. It sounds ideal. No need to leave the house, no childcare costs, wearing whatever you want to work...the list is long. It's difficult to imagine there is a downside, but there is. With this series I hope to address some of the issues that create the 'down side' of being a work-from-home parent.

The Myth: If I'm working from home, I won't need childcare.

The Truth: Working from home is difficult with children at home with you. The kids need to be watched over, they need to be fed, they need interactive play, and they want their mom or dad to pay attention to them. If your job is flexible, you may find a workable solution by creating your work schedule and work times around your child's needs. This isn't the norm, however. Most people who work from home need to have time during 'office hours' for phone calls, meetings, conferences, and such. Some may be able to schedule meetings and calls for naptime.

Solution: If you can't manage a schedule geared toward your child's needs, consider hiring a sitter or a part-time childcare situation. It isn't easy, but with some creativity it may work. Others, with higher needs children, may need to keep their child in daycare in order to get anything done. Another option, of course, is to change jobs or positions so that work can be done early mornings or later evenings, and spend your days caring for and playing with your child.

The seriousness of this issue was brought home to me when a local man, a stay at home parent, was arrested for child abuse. I am not making light of the fact that this man's daughter had to be hospitalized due to his abuse, nor am I saying if he had childcare his daughter would be fine. However, working from home while caring for an infant or toddler often creates tension, and even anger. Putting the abuse issue aside, this type of situation isn't good for the child or the parent.

My hope is that, as more parents begin working from home, they are able to manage a schedule that allows for loving, peaceful, and playful times with their child as well as quiet work periods.