Alright, stop, collaborate and listen

Before the first day of school (or even if you’ve already started), take a few minutes to walk through your child’s weekly schedule together. Take each day step by step:

What time do I need to wake up to be prepared for and at school on time?
Afterschool activities: What, when, where, and how am I getting there?
Homework. Where can I make time in my already busy schedule?
Where can I make “open spaces” for fun, rest, or friends?

Print out a weekly calendar or create a big family calendar to place in a central location to help visualize it. Seeing the week laid out visually helps kids predict, prepare, and plan ahead, all key executive function skills.

For students who’ve already started school, reflect together after the first few days:

Which parts of the day feel smooth and easy?
Where are the “rush points” that trip us up?
What is one small tweak to make mornings, evenings, or transitions less stressful?

By previewing and reflecting together, you’re helping your child build planning, time awareness, and flexible thinking skills, while setting them up for a calmer, more confident start to the school year.