1: Put the Tablet Down
Dear Anne: How do I get my 5th grader to put down his tablet and read a book? -Mom Unplugged
Dear Mom Unplugged: Excellent question—and, one a lot of parents are asking. In many ways, access to tech has rewired our brains (and there are lots of great studies proving how). What that means practically for us as parents is how to initially work with that rewiring and not against. This is something we have dealt with in our own family. We ended up providing an “information bridge” for my son, sourcing excellent books from the library whose content was closer to school, but whose presentation was closer to play. For example, Science Comics (published by First Second Books) is an amazing resource that uses a graphic novel format to make science concepts engaging. Similarly, Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series uses a similar format to introduce readers to history in a way they can’t forget. Hang in there, mama. And, see what else your local librarian can recommend along these lines.
Dear Anne: Every day when it’s time to leave the house, it is mass chaos. Any suggestions for bringing calm to this storm? -Tornado Dad
Dear Tornado Dad: With four kids eight years apart, I can completely relate! Here are a couple easy ideas to quick calm. Morning Meeting: Every school day we start our morning by going over logistics and encouraging thoughts for the day—this helps prep the kids for what to expect. Ready, Break: As soon as Morning Meeting is done, the kids have 5 minutes to put everything they need for the afternoon by the door—this prevents the mad dash for the missing soccer cleat when it’s time to go. Streamline: Look for ways to do less; I bought each kid their own unique style of socks—but every sock in their style is identical—and they have individual baskets of socks by the back door (which saves time trying to locate solo socks when we’re getting ready to go). Ready Mode: We spent two weeks practicing this “secret code word” (what kid doesn’t love a secret code!) with nowhere to go; it’s a series of steps we need to do to get out of the house in 5 minutes or less, and everyone in our family knows what it means. Even with the best plans, exiting the house can be a feat—grace to you as you all learn how to master it together.