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Falling Back into School Routines
It's time for a new school year and getting back into a routine can be challenging and stressful for families. The good news is that, it doesn't have to be that way. By talking about the first day with your child and implementing a routine before school starts, you will reduce anxiety and improve your relationship with your child. With a little bit of advance preparation, the transition to school can be a very positive one for you and your child. Involve your child in the planning of both evening and morning routines, so that everyone understands and is comfortable with these routines.
For more information about this and many more back-to-school tips, see the following links on how to prepare your child for a successful school year:
Fall Family Fun
Even in the face of establishing back to school routines, fall is agreat time for families to learn and play together. It is important to schedule family time each day. Whether it's sitting around the dinner table catching up on the day's events or going on a trip to the store to purchase school supplies, spending time together keeps you involved in your child’s life and lets them know how much they are valued and loved. Here are some fun things you can do with your family this fall.
Learn Together
Take a trip to the Science Museum of Richmond or the Metro Richmond Zoo and bring your child's education to life. Central Virginia is rich in history, so visit the living classrooms of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement. Or, travel the Kanawha and James River canals on a 40-minute narrated cruise. Showing an interest in your child's education lets them know you care and will motivate them to be the best they can be. It also teaches them that learning is fun!
Play Together
Once the homework is finished, it's time to play! Why not take up a new hobby or learn how to play a new sport? Click below for a list of local parks and recreation associations that sponsor a variety of sports and activities for youth and families:
And, don’t forget about all of the wonderful art shows and street festivals Richmond has to offer. Check out Rainbow of Arts at Rockwood Park in Chesterfield, Arts Around the Lake at UR, the 2nd Street Festival and the
Richmond Folk Festival at www.venturerichmond.com. And, there's no better place than the State Fair of Virginia for old fashioned food, fun, and entertainment.
Help Together
There is nothing more rewarding than working together as a family to help others. This teaches children to understand and empathize with others. Consider donating school supplies to CCHASMs (Chesterfield Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry) annual collection for children in need or volunteering time at a local pet shelter. Many organizations recruit
volunteers in the fall. For a list of those in need, contact the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg or go to ConnectRichmond to find ways to help others in our community.
Be Together
There are so many fun and exciting things for children and parents to do together in the Greater Richmond Area. For a general listing of family friendly activities, visit:
Talk Together
One of the easiest and most effective ways to have fun with your child is simply to spend time talking with them. Expressing an interest in your child’s life shows them that you care and value them and also improves their self-esteem. Take a walk together or sit on the porch and find out what is going on in your child’s life. Listen and ask questions. For more tips on how to communicate better with your child, see the following links:
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