(PRWEB) July 31, 2006 -- Classrooms and schools are out of control throughout the nation. Drop out rates are at their highest. Dis-orders such as ADD and ADHD continue to soar. So in this day and age it is imperative that parents know how to assist their children so they can excel in school.
“ Physical spaces can have a powerful influence on how children reach their full potential by improving one's quality of life, promote learning, inspire creativity, and encourage feelings of securit... ”
Parents can create supportive environments for children to excel by using a combination of organization, time management and Feng Shui.
1. Organization: Before the school year starts this is a
great time to go through all your children's closet stuff,
drawers and desks. Recycle or donate what they can no longer use or need.
- Sort through all their clothes and take inventory of what they have, what can be given away and what they might need. Set up a daily or weekly "clothes wearing" and laundry day system.
- Sort through all their toys and take inventory of what they have, what can be given away and what they might need. Set up a toy storage area and a toy rotation system if needed.
- Sort through all their desk/school items and take inventory of what they have and make a list of what'll they will need for the upcoming school year.
- School Papers: Decide what school papers and/or art work
will be kept and where. These types of papers are considered mementos. Set up a box or file for each child. I recommend placing an under bed storage unit for these papers to be placed into...easy and convenient. Also designate a place for your children to place paper work that the teacher has sent home for you to read or review.
2. Time Management: Believe it or not children thrive better when they have consistency in their lives. Review your child's (and yours) lifestyle, activities and stress levels (when they are up or down, more responsive or not).
Schedules will include many routines, such as a morning routine of waking, bathing, dressing, eating, etc., an afternoon routine and an evening routine. Don't forget to add the adult routines into your schedule. Developing routines and putting together schedules will help you and your children put things in order and know what needs to be accomplished for the day. Creating before/after school and evening routines and schedules will help your children and you as the parent keep things under control, organized and life running smoother.
- Decide what is expected of your child, such as making their bed in the morning, putting their school bags in a certain location, and putting their toys and clothes away. Create a chore board or check out I Did My Chores at
http://www.overhall.com/ididmychores.htm
- Give your children some down time each day from you, their activities and their chores. Take some down time for yourself too.
3. Feng Shui: "Physical spaces can have a powerful influence on how children reach their full potential by improving one's quality of life, promote learning, inspire creativity, and encourage feelings of security," writes Feng Shui Master Nancilee Wydra in her book, Feng Shui for Children's Spaces. The colors, sounds, aromas, patterns, shapes, textures and placement of furniture can have a profound effect on your children and you, whether it is
negative or positive. Understanding what and how each of the above 'communicates' and influences is an important step before adding or changing your children's spaces.
- Desk Placement: At home one might have a desk in an area
where the parent is readily available during study time for
assistance and monitoring.
When it comes to children one should learn to be somewhat
flexible with routines, schedules, and their clutter. While this takes practice in training them (and yourself) how, when, and where things should live and be stored or contained. Within a week or two of consistent training (depending on age of child)your children and you should be well on your way to having less chaos, clutter and stress in your lives. It will take some action, guidance, and patience on your part to do this...so what are you waiting for? Let's get your children and their stuff under control once and for all and create supportive environments in which they can excel.
For additional help see
http://www.overhall.com/organize_children.htm
