August Newsletter
A new school year can become a stressful time, especially for children, but organization can become a key role in helping to reduce it. Although stress can be a normal aspect of situational pressures, long-term stress may become harmful and dangerous.
According to the Center of Addiction and Mental Health, long-term stress increases mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep issues, and more.
How can we help kids not become stressed and prepare them for the new school year? Here are some ideas:
Establish Daily Routines: When children know what to expect each day, the result is lowered anxiety and an increased feeling of control. Routines can be especially comforting for children with special needs. They also help kids learn time management which will help during the school year when homework and more tasks and responsibilities accumulate. Consider using picture schedules to help younger children.
Make Checklists and To-Do Lists: Having a list as a visual can help children stay organized and learn how to stay on task; and checking off tasks can help them feel accomplished.
Use Color Coding: Colorful notebooks and folders can help with organization of subjects and assignments. Assign a certain task or chore a specific color and label it as well.
Use Bins to help keep everything contained, remove visual clutter, and find things easier.
Help Kids Think Ahead: Before going to bed, review plans for the next day. This helps kids learn to think ahead and help them feel more secure for the next day.
For more organizing tips, tune into our Lunch & Learn on August 8th, presented with Neatly Ever After Professional Organizing.
