Parents are currently navigating uncharted waters. September will be the first time many children have gone back to school in person in well over a year.

This is a time when we must lead by example. When it comes to navigating, children take their cues from adults. There are a few ways you can ease the transition this fall so that your children remain happy, stress-free, focused, and enthusiastic about learning.

1. Keep a routine

It doesn’t matter if you send your children to school in person or if they study at home, routines help them thrive. Structured classrooms provide students with a sense of what to expect throughout the day. In addition, they are effective in easing children’s minds.

It could mean adjusting wake-up and bedtimes to a school-friendly schedule, preparing clothing and lunches the night before or in the morning, setting aside time for homework, rest, and play, or developing a schedule modeled after what they are used to.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

How well do your kids know what’s expected of them? Are they aware of what will be expected of them for schooling, regardless of the type?

As adults, we tend to take it for granted that our kids will automatically act appropriately. The truth is children are still growing, and learning, so they may react differently from how grown-ups would—that’s why we’re here to guide and nurture them!

Parenting involves setting expectations for our children, teaching them how to achieve those expectations, and developing in them the capability to accomplish those expectations independently.

3. Establish Goals

How would you like to see your child succeed or improve this year? Children are motivated by specific goals. Of course, we want to see our children succeed at everything. But it is more realistic and tangible for our kids to be given a few specific objectives to work towards.

The first week back to school, you might set a goal for your children that they get up, get ready for the day, and are ready to learn by a certain time. Maybe your goal is to help your student meet an academic standard.

Whatever the goal, make it specific and individualized, so your child has something to strive for.

4. Be Empathetic

Despite its decreasing presence, COVID-19 is still around and we should be mindful of this fact. Make sure your kids know that it is normal and ok for them to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed during this time, especially if they are unable to see their friends or participate in their normal social activities.

Be on the lookout for signs that your child may need additional support for their mental health, and seek professional assistance if necessary.

5. Calm Your Chaos

This tip is specifically for the parents reading this. Isagenix recently launched the Adaptogen Elixir to help their customers “Calm Their Chaos.”

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, so this dietary supplement features five adaptogens that support the body’s ability to adapt to stress, combat fatigue, and improve mental clarity, so you can take on the day and be there for your children.

But don’t take my word for it. Contact me to discuss how Adaptogen Elixir can help you tackle today’s modern-day chaos.