Back-to-school days can generate a mix of anxiety, excitement and stress for students and their parents. Parents to want to provide opportunities for children, yet at the same time, protect time for family. 

The first thing to remember is to be realistic. If both parents work and children are in after-school or day care programs, picking up the children, settling back into the home after a day away and getting a meal on the table may be all a family can reasonably manage. While this schedule might seem to best match families with younger children, the reality is that choosing the most important after-school or evening activities at any age level will help the family be more organized. 

That does not that mean that a family should shun school and community activities. Families must choose a mix of school, community and volunteer activities that will work within a realistic schedule. This is a good time to teach decision-making skills. List the pros and cons for different activities, and then ask questions that will help a child look more realistically at the opportunities, rather than a parent just deciding for them. 

When looking at the monthly calendar, schedule family time, but occasionally, encourage a child to invite a friend. This is an opportunity for your child to help build his or her relationships, and it gives the parents a chance to get acquainted with a child´s friends. 

As a family consider some volunteer opportunities. While giving back is a way in which to share personal talents and energy, doing so as a family allows children to see their parents and siblings in leadership roles working to help others. If there are no volunteer activities planned with the organizations your children are involved in, consider a family volunteer day. 

Volunteering to staff a food pantry one Saturday morning a month or pitching in to help older neighbors with a seasonal yard cleanup is a great family activity and a great way to build relationships with the neighborhood. Working together also can lay a foundation for community involvement and service that will benefit both the child and his or her community in the

future. 

Charlotte Shoup-Olsen shared this information many years ago and I think it is still valid. Charlotte was a former Kansas State University Research and Extension Family Systems Specialist. Have a great school year!