NANA SAYS SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING

For most parents September can be stressful initially. Once the routines are established and children are adjusting to their new teachers and settings, everyone can breathe a sign of relief. Lessons are underway. Meetings and social functions outside the home are happening. So school brings homework too. Parents can help with it but remember the homework belongs to the children. Make sure they do it and you do not do it for them. Children always benefit from parents or caregivers reading to them. So remember to read every day. Hearing the voice and the written word is always a good learning tool. It also brings some intimacy to family relationships. Slows everyone down.
Making lunches again is a daily activity or chore. There is lots of advice online and in magazines on how to make nutritional and fun lunches.Depending on the age of children, having them involved can be an important life skills. Preparing for the week helps too. Remember those wonderful standbys- the grandparents for support!
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NANA SAYS SIT DOWN AND LEARN

With the children back to school, lots of sitting and learning. Like a blank slate, children are sponges for new knowledge and ideas. Finding a suitable place in the home to do homework and projects that is a consistent space can be important. The kitchen table can be used occasionally but remember must be cleared off. So a spot that items can be left makes it easier. Yes a desk in a bedroom, that's what I used for peace of mind. Played my radio. But sometimes children need to be close to adults for the comfort level and being able to ask a question or even ask for help. While homework is occurring what are you doing as a parent! Housework, chores, maybe get a project of your own started and work along with the children. Don't forget to read to children. Even older children can benefit from hearing the printed word. Or have them read to you! Yes homework is a drag! It cuts into family time greatly. Let children be frustrated with it too! So find ways to get through it faster and without headaches and heartache. So you can sit down and have some family time!

THE COOL OF SEPTEMBER IS HERE

After a very hot, humid summer, the cool winds of September make sleeping easier. Those bothered by the heat will be enjoying each day more. Weather that favourite topic of most Canadians returns with a bang. The in between weather- Fall can be anything! For most of us time to leave home and work easily without all the dressing up of layers of clothes! And boots! So relish any more warm days they really are less work! Garden cleanup means the weeds will not come back for another year. September with back to school is renewed energy to do homework. For workers, some evening projects at home. Give yourself some homework to do, so to speak. For me, the writing of various research projects. Write, publish and put on the blog. If needing to veg in front of the TV, put a craft project in my hands! Remember it is still summer as Fall does not officially arrive until late September! So continue to enjoy the parks, lakes and all your favourite places. As the Fall colours change, get out and take pictures of the landscape.  But getting started with the busier items due to the change in season starts now! Cool weather needs energy to keep warm- if busy the body heats up!

Country drives! Short simple local ones are always fun! Just a drive to see family in Aurora takes me up a country road! So September, grab onto your energy and go! Slow is okay!

NANA SAYS HOW IS THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR GOING?

Back to school for another year has begun. The children adjusted! The teachers adjusted! Well most parents have adjusted. Learning is the foundation for life long skills and knowledge. Helping your children with this learning is a commitment for the average parent. Having a home that gives a space for homework, projects and full of books- now the new technologies that are needed. The personal touch is still the best. Praising a child's efforts! Looking at an art project! Listening! It is a busy time but the pace will become the norm again! How has your school year started?

NANA SAYS GIVE SIBLINGS INDIVIDUAL TIME

In our busy lives, it is much easier to try to do everything together. Give the children their baths together to reduce the bedtime routine. Drag everyone shopping together.  However children at different ages and stages need and want different activities. The baby sits and plays with the toys at his/her feet. The toddler wanders and explores. The 3 year old may sit and watch a movie or do a puzzle or want a book read. Then the imaginary play begins. So a 5 year old with an imagination gets frustrated with a baby. A teenager is bored watching his/her 8 year old sibling. Yes, children need to relate and respect each other. It is the parents that want them to get along all the time even though there are differences. Children of all ages can have chores and expectations to pull their weight. The 3 year old can put their shoes neatly at the door and take the dishes from the table to the sink. The older child can be expected to help at a different level- garbage duty, household tasks. But each child is their own unique person. For example, group family pictures are fun but remember to include individual shots of each person too. When one child has a birthday party, do something special with the other child or children. Don't compare intelligence. "Why can't you get A's in math like your sister?" Find the strengths in each child and nurture. I know-it takes time and " I am so busy!" Perhaps make a list on a daily basis of one simple activity to do with each child. Again, I know-homework can get in the way so perhaps, individual time with each child during homework time. Remember-do they have to do it together at the same table- individual spots may help. Would it reduce the fighting- probably! If there are two parents, then divide the time between the two of you. But alternate the tasks too! Each child does need special time with each parent. Do you find it difficult to complete all the work to be done every day? What have you found that helps to give your children individual attention? Have you noticed patterns when the fighting starts? What do you do about it? Does one parent do more for the children? Why do you think this happens? Are there simple changes you can make that would help? Tell me your thoughts!