From Chaos to Calm: A Strong Rhythm For School

The Huddle With Dr. Lisa Petit

The first weeks of school can feel like juggling knives while riding a scooter—new schedules, new teachers, and kids running on low sleep and big feelings. We share a Strong Start Strategy that turns that chaos into a steady rhythm your family can count on, with easy routines, thoughtful screen limits, and homework habits that build real independence instead of nightly battles.
We start with the foundation that calms everything else: predictable routines. You’ll hear how to shift bed and wake times without drama, why a quick morning “practice run” lowers first-day friction, and how removing screens from wake-up and setting a tech sunset one to two hours before bed can radically improve focus and sleep. From there, we set up a homework system that works in the real world—quiet, stocked spaces; clear timing that respects your child’s energy; and short, purposeful practice that keeps the habit alive without stealing their childhood.
Then we dig into the parent role. Rather than hovering, we coach kids to think for themselves: let them make mistakes, use the “find one error” prompt, and give feedback with the simple sandwich method so confidence grows with competence. We replace nagging with visual checklists that kids can follow on their own, and we make space for a 15–30 minute after-school decompression that smooths the path to dinner, activities, and bedtime. Finally, we close with weekly family huddles that invite kids into problem-solving, building voice, ownership, and resilience across the year.
If this Strong Start Strategy helps, share it with a parent who could use a calmer afternoon, subscribe for more practical tools, and leave a review so others can find the show. For classes, resources, and the Screen Smart Family workbook, visit yourparentingplaybook.com.

فصول

1. From Chaos to Calm: A Strong Rhythm For School (00:00:00)

2. Context & Why This Matters (00:01:00)

3. The Back‑to‑School Reset (00:02:02)

4. Strong Start Strategy Overview (00:03:20)

5. Routines Reduce Anxiety (00:04:29)

6. Morning Trials & Screen Limits (00:06:48)

7. Evening Tech Sunset & Sleep (00:08:10)

8. Homework Setup That Works (00:08:35)

9. Timing Homework vs. Downtime (00:11:09)

10. The Homework Debate (00:12:39)

11. Parent Role: Guide, Don’t Hover (00:14:42)

12. Feedback That Builds Grit (00:16:59)

13. Checklists Over Nagging (00:18:43)

14. After‑School Decompression (00:20:25)

15. Weekly Family Huddles (00:21:52)

16. Flexibility, Teamwork, and Resources (00:23:32)