School's fast approaching and family stress will elevate right along with it. This is the time parents begin to think about what after-school activities to register their children for. Many parents are unsure of how many to choose and what are the right classes to select. Most importantly, once you’ve selected the activities, how do you go about coordinating work, school and play?

The first and most important thing to recognize is the amount of stress your child experiences during the school year. Each child is different, works at a different pace and handles schooling in a different way. Take into consideration everything that will be required of your child and be honest about the time needed to complete the work successfully. Homework, studying, testing, reading, school-related activities are all a part of school life. How much time does it demand of your student and you to complete all the work that is required during the typical school year? Now consider how your child relaxes, what activities do they do to relieve stress and chaos in their lives. Do they love to run around, participate in team sports, play video games, watch TV, draw or play music? A proper balance of work and play goes a long way to promoting an enjoyable family environment and life.

Start by sitting down with your child and creating a “relaxation list”. In other words, jot down everything your child truly loves doing. Allow them to be honest and tell you the truth, not what they think you want to hear. Tell them that they can put anything on this list and you will not judge them. Listening carefully to your child’s wants and needs goes a long way to family success and maintaining child/parent trust. From this list, determine where and when these activities are best completed. Some may be done during school, some at home and some may require outside sources and registration in an appropriate after-school class. Sports and exercise are a great way to release excess energy, however for many kids sitting and listening to music or watching an hour of TV may work as well. Be realistic, don’t enroll them in so many activities that all you and your children are doing all day is running around trying to maintain the hectic schedule that was created. Chaos is a breeding ground for stress. If you have more than one child, be sure that all schedules coordinate, but don’t complicate. Less truly is more!

Choose wisely and always involve your children in the decision-making process. Consider everyone’s needs and abilities and work together to create a well-balanced schedule. Allowing time for relaxation in whatever form it takes will motivate and enhance your child. Leaving the stress behind will create a roadmap for success in school and at home every time.