School Routines

As every parent knows, the first few weeks of school can be both exhilarating and exasperating. Children are excited to get new clothes and school supplies and be reunited with friends not seen over the summer. However, they're not so thrilled about the demands schoolwork puts on their time - time they'd much rather spend playing or watching television.

During the summer, family rules and schedules tend to loosen up. Kids get to stay up later, limits on time spent watching TV or playing video games may be relaxed and they get to enjoy more time to themselves.

Once school starts, the transition to a more structured routine can be difficult for child and parent alike. Outside activities, such as school sports or piano lessons, add time constraints to the schedule.

Here are some tips to help your child establish smart study strategies while still leaving time to be a kid.

* Homework comes first - By stressing that homework is the number one priority, parents should let kids know that on school nights, their focus has to be on studying. Making this clear will eliminate the need to argue or bargain with your kids every night over whether they can "just play one video game" before they start their homework. And finishing homework first means kids (and parents) won't be up late completing a project or assignment that got started late and takes longer than expected.

* Establish a study area - Setting aside a special place for studying helps establish the routine. It can be a desk in your child's room, a place in the kitchen, or the table in the family room. This study area should have good lighting, a large work surface and no distractions.

* Make sure they have the tools - Spending time hunting for paper, pens, calculators or other supplies wastes time and breaks concentration. Keep homework supplies handy, and make sure everyone in the family knows where they're stored.

* Make time for fun - Kids spend all day in school, and need some down time when they're at home, whether it's playing with friends or watching TV. Just be sure to set limits that everyone understands. For example, "You can play outside until dark." "You can watch one television show." or "You can spend half an hour on instant messaging."

* Monitor television and computer use - If your child is online, make sure you know what sites they're visiting or who they are messaging. Likewise, try to watch television with your kids so you get an idea of what they're viewing.

Establishing up a few easy-to-follow routines at the beginning of the school year can help set the tone for a successful year.