Create Supportive Environments for Your
Child to Excel at School and at Home
Classrooms and schools are out of control throughout the nation. Drop
out rates are at their highest. Dis-orders such as ADD and ADHD continue
to soar. So in this day and age it is imperative that parents know how
to assist their children so they can excel in school.
Janet Hall, The Person/Place Energy Mover and owner of OverHall
Consulting based out of Port Republic, MD, explains that parents can
create supportive environments for children to excel by using a
combination of organization, time management and Feng Shui.
1. Organization: Before the school year starts this is a great time
to go through all your children's closet stuff, drawers and desks.
Recycle or donate what they can no longer use or need.
=> Sort through all their clothes and take inventory of what they
have, what can be given away and what they might need. Set up a daily or
weekly "clothes wearing" and laundry day system.
=> Sort through all their desk/school items and take inventory of
what they have and make a list of what'll they will need for the
upcoming school year.
=> School Papers: Decide what school papers and/or art work will be
kept and where. These types of papers are considered mementos. Set up a
box or file for each child. I recommend placing an under bed storage
unit for these papers to be placed into...easy and convenient. Also
designate a place for your children to place paper work that the teacher
has sent home for you to read or review.
2. Time Management: Believe it or not children thrive better when
they have consistency in their lives. Review your child's (and yours)
lifestyle, activities and stress levels (when they are up or down, more
responsive or not).
Schedules will include many routines, such as a morning routine of
waking, bathing, dressing, eating, etc., an afternoon routine and an
evening routine. Don't forget to add the adult routines into your
schedule. Developing routines and putting together schedules will help
you and your children put things in order and know what needs to be
accomplished for the day. Creating before/after school and evening
routines and schedules will help your children and you as the parent
keep things under control, organized and life running smoother.
=>Decide what is expected of your child, such as making their bed in
the morning, putting their school bags in a certain location, and
putting their toys and clothes away. Create a chore board or check out I
Did My Chores at
http://www.overhall.com/ididmychores.htm
3. Feng Shui: "Physical spaces can have a powerful influence on how
children reach their full potential by improving one's quality of life,
promote learning, inspire creativity, and encourage feelings of
security," states Ms. Hall's Feng Shui Master Nancilee Wydra in her
book, Feng Shui for Children's Spaces. The colors, sounds, aromas,
patterns, shapes, textures and placement of furniture can have a
profound effect on your children and you, whether it is negative or
positive. Understanding what and how each of the above 'communicates'
and influences is an important step before adding or changing your
children's spaces.
=> Desk Placement: At home one might have a desk in an area where the
parent is readily available during study time for assistance and
monitoring.
When it comes to children one should learn to be somewhat flexible
with routines, schedules, and their clutter. While this takes practice
in training them (and yourself) how, when, and where things should live
and be stored or contained. Within a week or two of consistent training
(depending on age of child) your children and you should be well on your
way to having less chaos, clutter and stress in your lives. It will take
some action, guidance, and patience on your part to do this...so what
are you waiting for? Let's get your children and their stuff under
control once and for all and create supportive environments in which
they can excel.
For additional help and resources please see
http://www.organizedforschool.com/
For interviews or personal appearances call 410/586-9440.
Janet L. Hall, The Person/Place Energy Mover, is certified in
professional organizing, records management and in feng shui. Ms. Hall
is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Healtheology at the
American Institute of Holistic Theology. Ms. Hall offers Energy Life
Makeovers for person and place to connect and bring harmony, balance and
promote healthier lifestyles. Hall is a part-time faculty member for the
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and a faculty member and mentor for
the Feng Shui Institute of America (FSIA), of which she graduated, and
the past president of the Feng Shui Institute International (FSII), of
which she continues to serve on their board. She has written four books,
produced over 38 CD’s, two multimedia training CD’s, and a complete
system on how to become a professional organizer. Ms. Hall consults,
speaks, trains, coaches and does body energy work locally in the
tri-county area as well as internationally. Visit her web site and sign
up for her free newsletter, OverHall IT! at
http://www.overhall.com
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