Time for School
Time for school -“….and you see Marcia, that is why it is important to always tell the truth to Dad and Mum…” Cue Brady Bunch end of show music. Everyone sigh.The Brady Bunch, a nauseous show replayed ad nauseam still seems relevant today. Home spun philosophy, with a comedy twist depicting a blended family, dealing with day to day challenges. Kids love this show (even now) as everyone can relate to a character.The Brady Bunch was our reward for routine as kids. homework, shower, pyjamas = watch Brady Bunch. This homespun parenting is as relevant today as it was then. The World has certainly changed but the how kids grow and develop remains the same. Kids need a loving environment, with role models, structure, and boundaries.School time routine can be quite challenging and incorporating positive consequences is more effective than threats and punishments. Last time I mentioned an app called ‘our home family living made easy’. I have had a few requests to mention some more on parenting.The key is to keep things simple, routine orientated with appropriate parent controlled rewards. These rewards should be tailored to the child’s personality, interest and age. A small child might like to watch a show. An older child may like to play minecraft for a period of time. The important features of the reward are they are manageable, there is a limit, and flexible. Tips include
- Use when/then. ‘When you have finished your homework then you can use the computer for half an hour’.
- Write down the routine on the fridge – let the kids chose their age appropriate reward (e.g. Book read to them, favourite TV show, iPad time, internet time ) with a limit setting. Make it fun.
- Some kids need to let off steam after school, so allow them to ‘run wild’ for a while before insisting on homework etc.
- If the child does not complete the routine or is problematic then he misses out on the reward.
- The next day should always be a fresh start. Missing out on a reward should be a same day consequence for children. They need to succeed regularly, so if one child keeps ‘failing’, make the tasks a little easier for that child.
- Make sure both parents are ‘on the same page’. *Keep calm and parent on*
