Raising children is hard. It is no secret that it can take its toll on any relationship. And it doesn’t get easier when summer vacation ends and you need to convince your kids that an early bedtime is just what they need to prepare for the new school year.
With all the transition and stress that comes with the new school year, it can be easy for you to fight with one another. This is where being on the same page with your partner is crucial, especially since your child could be anxious about the upcoming changes.
So, before you let the back-to-school season strain your relationship, here are some tips that my Delaware relationship therapist clients find helpful to prepare for a stress-free transition.
Establish a Routine
Work together to create a solid routine that you both agree to follow, including times to wake-up and go to sleep, who is preparing breakfast and lunch for the day, and who will be doing the school run each day.
A routine like this, clearly set-out and agreed upon beforehand, will reduce stress each day as each parent will know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Set Out Clear Goals
Another point of contention can be parents’ expectations for their children’s academic success. It is necessary that you both agree on what you expect from your children at the beginning of each year, so no parent is either pushing too hard or becoming too complacent. Discuss issues such as homework expectations and how to handle poor test scores.
Review Information Together
With the beginning of the school year comes a ton of paperwork outlining everything from important dates to transportation routes. Go through this information together, noting down dates on the calendar and cross-checking your existing commitments. This will keep you both on the same page and prepare you to support your children together.
Expect the Unexpected
Even the best laid plans often go awry! Sometimes your child might be sick during the day, and working parents can find it difficult to find someone to nurse them on the same day. Or you may both need to work overtime on the same day – what then? Have contingency plans in place, so you feel more prepared.
Working together on a back-to-school routine can be time-consuming, but in the end, setting up these routines and plans will lessen stress and tension throughout the busy school year.
Need help communicating effectively and without conflict? Seek the guidance of a Delaware relationship therapist.
