We live in a world where there are constant worldwide conflicts. Our children fight each other on a daily basis using their phones as both a shield and a weapon. It is not as kind a world as it was when I was growing up. Sure, I had bullies, I was the tallest girl in my school until about senior year of high school. I was also one of the few Hispanics in my school. However, I would trade today’s bullies for the ones of yesteryear in a minute.
Kids That Care Books, is trying to help you raise kids that care about everyone and the world around them. Consider us a friend, tell us your challenges, your fears, and your hopes. We will in turn try our best to turn it into a children’s book with a lesson your kids can resonate with. Contact us via www.jaelogan.com and we will get back to you.
With schools open, our kids will march back in with the hopes and dreams of an amazing year. We cannot control the things we cannot anticipate, but we can prepare our children for an amazing year with our love and support.
1. Write a Heartfelt Note: Take the time to write a heartfelt note for your child, expressing your excitement and pride for their return to school. Slip it into their backpack or lunchbox, so they'll find it during the day and know you're thinking of them
2. Organize a Back-to-School Party: Invite your child's friends and their parents over for a small gathering to celebrate the return to school. You can have snacks, games, and even a small gift exchange to make it extra special. This also helps you get to know the other children and their families.
3. Plan a Movie Night: Set up a movie night at home where you and your child can watch their favorite movie together. This will give them a chance to relax and unwind after being back at school.
4. Take Them Shopping: Take your child shopping for school supplies or a new outfit. Let them pick out items they're excited about, this helps build anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming school year.
5. Create a Study Space: Set up a study space at home that is dedicated to your child's schoolwork. Personalize it with their favorite colors or artwork, making it a comfortable and inviting environment for them to study in.
6. Plan a Special Outing: Surprise your child with a special outing. It could be a trip to the park, a museum, or a favorite restaurant. It's a wonderful way to reward their hard work and celebrate their successful return to school.
7. Have a Family Game Night: Dedicate an evening to a family game night, where everyone can bond and have fun together. Let your child choose the games and enjoy quality time as a family.
8. Express Appreciation: Lastly, express your appreciation for your child's dedication to their education. Let them know you are proud of them and encourage them to continue working hard.
1. Choose kindness first: Introduce yourself to the new kid at lunch. Smile at someone in the hallway that looks like they are having a rough day. Offer your class notes to someone in class that was absent. These small items will go a long way towards making someone feel special.
2. Be Organized: Do all of your homework thoroughly and on time. Make sure you have all the supplies you need in your backpack. Remind your parents about lunch items you need with at least 24 hours’ notice. Get plenty of rest every night. A good night’s sleep goes a long way in helping you be successful. Discuss checklists and planners with your parents to help you get organized and stay that way.
3. Don’t Believe the Rumors: There will always be rumors, even as adults we deal with rumors every day. Don’t believe them. If it is something that affects you personally then talk to your parents, or guidance counselor before you believe the rumors and retaliate. He said/She said/They said is not worth your time. If it does not involve you or affect you then just ignore it and do not let it spread beyond you. If it is about someone else and they could be hurt (physically/mentally/emotionally) then, speak to a parent, teacher, counselor, or an adult you trust and ask for help.
4. Do Not Participate in Online Bullying: Not only is online bullying horrific on several levels, but it is also illegal. You can be charged with harassment for participating in it. Think of the consequences for the person being bullied – cyber bullying has been tied to depression, anxiety, and suicide. It is dangerous. If you know someone that is being bullied, reach out to an adult for help. Anyone that tries to get you to join in is not your friend – let them know that. The repercussions are awful for all involved.
5. Always Be Respectful – Your teacher has a job to do, and that job is to prepare you for the future. Listen to them, work with them, complete your assignments, and participate in class discussions. Class time is not the time to find out who is hanging out after school, if you are organized you would have that information already.
6. Routines Are Better Than You Think: Create a routine and stick to it. You get home from school, have a snack, take a 20-minute break, and then hit the books, when your work is done you can relax, read, or play. Have it all laid out for you so that you know you have time to get everything done each night.
7. Foster Self-Advocacy – Self -advocacy gives you the power to voice your needs and concerns. I know that talking to people can be stressful, I feel it too. However, learning at an early age will give you the experience you need to master this highly effective tool. When you advocate for yourself, you are telling the world that you mean something and that you will make sure that your needs are met. As you learn to advocate for yourself, you will see that you are able to set your own boundaries. People will respect them because you know who you are and what you want. That is a powerful combination. How do you get started? Talk to your teacher or guidance counselor about what you hope to achieve this year in school and ask for their help to achieve it, you will be pleasantly surprised by their reactions.
I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and safe school year