By Courtney Burkholder 

For some parents, the three weeks of Christmas break passed much too quickly. You’ve enjoyed the holiday from homework and after-school activities almost as much as your kids have enjoyed it.

Other parents have been grumbling and complaining since the day after Christmas about their tax dollars going to waste when the kids seem to be on vacation more than they are in school. Whatever your feelings, this week the kids are headed back to class to begin the second half of the school year.

The first semester was a learning experience unto itself. A new year, new grade, new classes and new teachers. But now they know the routine, understand their teacher’s likes and dislikes, and have their favorite and least favorite classes. They haven’t stopped complaining about the homework, but hey … they’re kids. That’s part of their job! The second semester of the school year almost always involves greater expectations and a harder work load.

No more review. No more second chances on forgotten headings or late papers. It’s time to buckle down and work. Here are some tips to help make the transition back to school a little smoother for them and easier on you.

Review classroom expectations. What can I say? Kids forget. This week, take time to sit down with your child, review their class requirements, weekly responsibilities, and the classroom expectations. It will also be a good reminder for you as to what is expected of them on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. Because, guess what? Parents forget, too!

Address problems they had in the first half of the school year. All kids have issues: a problem staying in their seat, excessive talking, unfinished homework assignments, using class time wisely, or messy handwriting. I haven’t met a child yet who’s perfect, so I’m sure you can think of something! Remind them of consequences to these behaviors and encourage them to do their best.

Set goals for the second half of the school year. It may be something like completing homework by 5 p.m. or reading an extra 10 minutes a day. It may be no check marks on the board or earning a certain number of merits in a week. Problem behaviors do draw negative consequences of their own, but I also like to offer my kids rewards for good behaviors or improved performance. One of my children is very self-motivated; the other requires some external motivation. Do what it takes to keep them on the right track for the remainder of the school year.

Get back on a schedule. Moms, do your part. Kids need good, healthy food to keep their bodies going and growing. Start their day with a healthy breakfast and end it with a satisfying dinner. Personally, I get very lazy over the holidays. It’s my vacation, too. But now that we’re back to school, I’m back to the grocery store and planning the family meals. Enforce bedtimes and homework routines. Kids thrive on routine.

Following these simple guidelines will help you and your child readjust to school life and keep you both on the straight and narrow path to a good school year.

At least until Spring Break!