Back to School and Back to Basics

Happy September! For most of you, this means that your children are back in school! With new routines come a need to get back to TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention®) basics so that everyone is able to transition into the school year with ease.

1) Use family time to remind everyone about your family rules. Still use No Hurts, Stick Together, and Have Fun? Around the table or in the car, take time to talk about the importance of whichever rules you have picked as a family.

2) Develop a special handshake or hug that you use every morning before you leave for the day. Similarly, have a ritual of greeting your children when you come home with affection and excitement!

3) Pack enough snacks so that your kiddos can eat every two hours. Make sure to be sending them to school with their water bottles so that they can stay hydrated. If you know that your child functions best with regular snacks, have a conversation with their teacher. Most schools are able to make accommodations with ease.

4) Schedule some recreation time for your kids after school. Most kiddos will need 30-45 minutes of play after school followed by a calming activity. Remember to be giving lots of notice of transitions between activities.

5) Use your weekends to reconnect as a family. Balance your big, exciting outings with an equal amount of down time. Even though it's the weekend, keep a schedule that is both predictable while also flexible.

Overall, don't forget that times of transition are tough on kids and families, so give yourselves and others some extra grace this month!