Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s Greg Heffley
Jul 27, 2010
School can be tough for any kid – at any age – just ask Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s Greg Heffley! With back-to-school just around the corner, here are some survival tips for parents and kids:
Top 5 Tips for Parents:
1. Get Back to Routine – family routines tend to slide in the summer, so before school starts, focus on choosing sleep, exercise, and healthy foods. Practice school bedtimes a week before school starts so that the new routine is established.
2. Go Shopping – never underestimate the fun and importance of new stuff for the big day. With younger kids, some school supplies, a new backpack and a few new items of clothing tend to gear them up. For older kids, let them have that must-have trendy item … especially if they earned money over the summer to pay for it.
3. Do a Dry-Run – many schools allow for tours before school starts: you can minimize anxiety (yours and theirs) if your child knows where their homeroom is, and where the bus stop is.
4. Eat Breakfast - the old saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" is too true. Students are more alert and perform better in class if they eat a good breakfast.
5. Sleep Zone - studies show that teens need at least 8½ hours of sleep each night to feel rested. Sleep deprivation can lead students to fall asleep in class and can also make it hard to concentrate.
Top 5 Tips for Kids:
1. Dress for Success – everyone knows that your outfit on the first day of school is important, and you don’t need a lot of money to look good: the key is to wear what makes you feel good, whether it's a brand-new outfit or your favourite sweater. If you plan to wear new shoes, break them in a few days beforehand.
2. Be Social - one of the best ways to make friends is by joining school clubs, sports teams, and activities. Even if you can't dunk a basketball or recite Shakespeare, getting involved will help you feel like a part of things.
3. Keep Reading – whether it’s your favourite magazine, book series or something fun you saw at the library, reading will keep expand your mind and promotes your creativity.
4. Keep a Diary – having an outlet is important and a diary is the perfect place for you to share all of your thoughts, dreams, fears and desires in a safe place. It also reminds you that me-time is allowed and important
5. Be Yourself – probably the most important thing you can do! It’s ok to be a little messy, weird, smart, or tall. Be yourself and people will like you for you.
And before the summer is out, here are a few fun sites for you to share and enjoy: www.wimpyourself.com and www.cheesetouchchase.com. And attached are some activity sheets for the whole family.
