I am the kind of mean mom who made her kids pack their lunch when they were in first grade. Yes, you read that right. First grade. I let a seven-year-old decide what she was taking to school in her lunchbox. And you know what? It turned out to be one of my best parenting ideas.
Ever “fake sick” to get out of going to school? I’d be willing to bet that most of us have tried to fake some sort of illness to get out of school. Maybe you tried the old standards (heating a thermometer by placing it close to a light bulb, coughing and moaning like a Victorian heroine slowly dying of consumption, squishing up your face to indicate such extreme pain that you just may die if you go to school).
Back-to-school can be a tough transition for everyone, especially for blended and two-home families. Consider the following strategies and plan now to set your family (kids and adults) up for success on the way back to school.
Every child learns and grows at their own pace. Some take off with reading early, others build math skills slowly, some have a hard time writing, and some struggle to learn a concept but once they do, they’ve got it. Some children are quiet observers before they dive in, while others jump in with enthusiasm, but need help slowing down. Red flags are about noticing when a struggle persists and starts to affect your child’s confidence or daily life.
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