Simple Ways to Stay Connected with Your Elementary-Aged Child

Your child will go through amazing changes from Kindergarten to fifth grade. (And even more if you school system's elementary program runs through eighth grade!)

With growing after-school activities such as sports, scouts, religious education, and music lessons, it's often difficult to stay connected with your child during the school year.

Volunteering at your child's school is a great way for you to see what your child is doing in his or her school first-hand. Volunteer to be a room parent, to chaperone at special events, or to help out in the library. Contact your school's Parent Teacher Organization or your child's teacher for other ways to help out during the day. Even if you work full or part time outside of the home, flexible volunteer opportunities often exist during the day.

Another great way to see your child during the day is to join them for lunch. Ask you school if this is an accepted practice, and most definitely ask your child. More often than not, your child will love having you as a lunch guest. Some parents bring in fast-food treats for their kids, but this might cause jealousy in your child's school mates. It's better to bring your own bag lunch, or if you're brave enough, order a hot lunch.

If your child brown-bags it during lunch, stick a little "thinking of you" card in their bag or lunch box. These are available in some major bookstores, but you can easily make your own. My daughter loves to make them for my lunch, folding up a 3x5 index card, and writing special messages and pictures. Feel free to add stickers and a drawing or two to your own cards.

Spending a few minutes of non-rush time during the morning is a great way to connect with your child before school even starts. Have your child lay out clothing and organize their backpack and lunch choices the night before. The next morning, you'll have more time to read a book together, play a game, or just snuggle on the couch before the day begins.

Schedule time to connect after school, also. Try not to schedule lessons and sports activities right after school ends, so both you and your child have some breathing room between activities. If you pick your child up from school, use the time in the car to catch up on their day. If they take the bus, have a snack ready for both of you - a great time to sit down and spend time together. If you're picking up your child from day care, take time to look at the pictures or projects they've been working on.

A family meal is the perfect opportunity to connect with your child. Make an effort to coordinate everyone's hectic schedules, and meet at least three times a week together. You might be surprised at what your children have to say in between bites.