School is Back and You’ve Got Homework
Our Maryland therapists explain how to keep it manageable
When school is in session, you (the parent) have homework. No, we don’t mean that you should write the book report. Or build the science project. We mean the parenting tasks that start up in September, and don’t let up until June.
And in September, there are a lot of them.
There are lunches to pack, activities to schedule, emails to answer, and forms…so many forms to complete. These added tasks can amplify your stress, especially if you are chasing after children to do their tasks too. Here are a few tips for keeping up with your school year workload while keeping the stress at bay.
Do your homework when the kids do.
Have the kids sort the pages that come out of their folders into two categories: My Homework and Mom/Dad’s Homework. While they do their work, go through the sign-and-return pile. When they put their completed work back in their backpacks, you’ll be ready to put the signed forms in too. You’ll also be leading by example, putting your work ethic on full display for them to emulate.
Limit your email time.
Reading messages when they arrive can interrupt the flow of other activities and leave you with too little down time. Schedule 5-10 minutes per day to review and respond to school-related emails. If it’s taking more than that, read teacher emails first and choose a day of the week to catch up on the school-wide messages.
Anxious about missing something? Ask the kids if there are any field trips or events coming up. They’ll tell you about the events that are most important to them, and you can ignore the rest.
Bonus: Our ADHD and executive function experts say that structuring email and paperwork time can keep the mess off your desk. Especially if you have ADHD yourself.
Team up.
Distribute the school-related tasks between parents/caregivers whenever possible. If one parent is doing the parent homework, have the other parent pack the lunches or check the kids’ homework.
This is especially important if you have a child who requires your full attention during homework time. For single parents, consider teaming up with a friend or neighbor to host a homework club on alternating nights or cook a shared dinner. If you can afford to hire someone to do the tasks you most dread doing, give yourself permission to do it.
Let it go.
Designate a time to stop working and stick to it. Let the laundry go unfolded or leave the shoes scattered on the floor. Retreat to someplace calm and spend the last 15-30 minutes of your day drinking a soothing cup of tea, stretching, reading, or otherwise unwinding. You’ll sleep better and feel more grounded tomorrow.
If you find it difficult to make time for self care, see our tips here. Our team of therapists have some great ideas.
