It’s that time of year to fall in love with back to school and autumn. If you have kids going back to school or college there are probably a wide variety of emotions going around your house. I know we have them over here. I have put together some helpful ways to create a successful school year for all. I have included links for some of my favorite things that I am fall-ing for this season.
A successful year begins with communication. Communicating expectations, responsibilities, fears, hopes, schedules, routines, and systems just to name a few. Where to begin without feeling overwhelmed?
Start at the beginning. In coaching, we talk about the funnel system…a lot! Here’s a quick overview. Imagine your life at the top, bit by bit funnel each item through until you have manageable pieces. Then, focus on one piece at a time. I encourage you to follow the organize, plan, and prepare method.
Here’s how it can work for you. Let’s take your child’s academics. Begin with a macroview, like a monthly calendar and then go to a daily view. Use these interchangeably to assist in keeping both a short and long range view. Help your child to ORGANIZE their school day. College students, write out your schedule. School first, then jobs, clubs, extracurriculars follow. One of my sweet clients introduced me to these amazing planners. (Note: ownership is important so let your student pick out the journal-don’t do it for them.) Additionally, some clients use different colored pens to differentiate subjects or items.
After your core schedule is created, begin to slowly add activities. Be realistic, include margin and free time. Don’t schedule things back to back when in reality it takes time in between activities.
Next, PLAN. Planning is the thinking component. An exercise many of my clients use is to mentally walk through their day the night before. This helps them alleviate any anxiety they may be feeling. It can also be a great practice to think through what steps or items may be needed to complete tasks the following day. This is a good place to make a list or jot down reminders. I love these journals. I am a huge fan of white boards because writing things down that serve as visual reminders are huge proponents for growth. This one is a good one.
And finally, PREPARE. Preparing is the doing. This is where action takes place. Let’s look at an example. If you have soccer practice after school tomorrow, step one, it goes on the schedule. Step 2, you check for any texts or emails regarding the practice. Then you think through what is needed for practice, clothes, gear snacks, etc. This may be where you make a list or reminder to yourself. Step 3, you get it all together and prepared for tomorrow.
How do these three steps set you up for success?
Creates a neural pathway to begin thinking systematically.
Alleviates the feeling of not being prepared, waiting until to the last minute or having it hanging out in your mind.
Sets you up for success and breeds a sense of accomplishment.
Fun things I am falling for this fall!
One of my happy places, as you know, is Target. This little pumpkin makes me smile. Recently, I was in Huntsville doing some shopping with my sister-in-law and the girls. We stepped into Anthropologie and I picked up a bottle of my favorite scent, Fleur D’Oranger. It’s fresh and light. And while I was there, what did my eyes see? The best slouchy bag for fall. But fall wouldn’t be complete without my daughter’s favorite highlighters. These are great for highlighting your favorite verse or quote. And last but not least, new wreaths to greet my fall visitors.
I enjoy sharing these finds with you! I look forward to next month’s goodies.
