Looking for tips on creating schedules for children that help them thrive? In life, seasons are rarely the same. Transitioning from summer fun days to heading back to school, can present some challenges for kids. You want your kid to thrive no matter what life throws at them. One way to accomplish this is through a family schedule. 

By carefully creating schedules for children, you can address specific problems such as eliminating stress, managing behavior issues, promoting organization, and ensuring ample quality time with family. Moreover, through scheduling you enable your child to feel confident, safe, engaged, and ready to participate. Here are six tips to create an awesome schedule that’ll help your kids thrive. 

Tip 1: Think about what you want

First and foremost, think about what problems you are trying to solve. Maybe you are trying to eliminate stress, behavior problems, disorganization, or something else. What goals do you have? Maybe you’re wanting to create a schedule that devotes more time to being with family. Think about the problems and goals that you want your schedule to accomplish. 

Tip 2: Brainstorm with the Kids

After you have thought about what you want, involve the kids in the process. Let them have input on the schedule. This will increase the likelihood of them following the new schedule and create a sense of ownership as they helped create it. By engaging them in the brainstorming session, you foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to scheduling.

Tip 3: Be Realistic

Take a step back and examine your goals, priorities, and life as a whole. Simultaneously, ask what is most important to you and your kids. Make these the top priorities. 

Moreover, be careful to avoid overscheduling. This can increase stress on the kids and create more problems. It can be good to have free space and down time each day instead of constant activities. 

Tip 4: Write it Down

Once you have finalized the schedule, ensure to write it down and post it where everyone can see. Additionally, take the time to discuss the schedule with the kids, addressing any questions or concerns. Focus on clarity and address any questions. 

Tip 5: Try it for a Week & Update

To test the effectiveness of the schedule, do a week-long trial run. After the week is over, think about what went well and what needs improvement. Make any changes, and do it again! 

This is an area where kids can help contribute as well. Ask them for feedback as well for you to consider when updating it. 

Tip 6: Be Patient

Implementing changes can be challenging for everyone involved. Be patient with yourself and your kids as you implement these changes. It can take kids a minute to adjust especially if there are new expectations or limitations added into the schedule such as earlier bedtimes or less screen time. 

Be consistent in your approach to the schedule. It’ll take a moment for everyone to adjust, but it’ll be worth it when the process is complete. 

While it can take a moment to craft the perfect schedule and get it to stick, they bring many benefits to the whole family! 

Looking for the ultimate gaming experience for your next party or event? Check out GameTruck, the leading provider of mobile video game parties.

Checkout our other blog on tips for parenting!

Friendship is a cornerstone of the human experience. They add so much to our lives, but with the craziness of life and parenthood, it can be overwhelming or hard. It can be lonely. 

At GameTruck, we understand the importance of friendship and building community. It’s what we strive to do with each one of our parties. From helping kids make new friends to maintaining current friendships, we believe everyone should have a place to belong. That’s why we’re celebrating friendship day, and here’s how you can celebrate it with those in your life! 

Create a Friendship Book

Give your friend a personal gift this year with a friendship book. You can create them online through programs like Shutterfly or by hand. Either way is sure to make your friends smile as they reflect on all the fun memories you have shared.

Do a self Evaluation.

What type of friend have you been this year? The type of friend do you want to be? What are some goals that you have for the friendships in your life? Think about these questions and do a self-evaluation. Focus on what areas you can grow as an individual and how you can grow your friendships. 

Social media post

This is the new hallmark card. Show your love and appreciation for your friend with a social media post highlighting your friendship.

Social Media Clean up

Reflect on friendship and what it means to you. Do you need to clean up your social media “friends” list? Do you have many acquaintances on your social media that you don’t really know? Maybe it’s time to clean up your social media and devote it to your family and close friends. 

Reply to your messages.

In the craziness of life, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and behind when responding to messages from friends. Dedicate some time to responding to emails, calls, or texts from friends. Take a moment to pause and reconnect with those in your life. 

Ask Transformative Questions. 

Next time you’re hanging out with your friend, make a point to ask transformative questions. These types of questions go beyond the basic, day-to-day questions such as “how are you doing” or “how was your day?” 

Transformative questions focus on getting to know that person on a deeper level. These types of questions are thought-provoking and aim at creating deeper emotional connections. 

Write a letter

Who doesn’t love receiving positive mail in their box? It’s way better than bills! 

Hand-written notes convey a personal touch and connection. Receiving one is a pleasant surprise bound to brighten your friend’s day.

Make new friends

Are you in a season of life where it’s time to meet some new people? Celebrate this friendship day by making a new friend! 

Take a break to see friends.

Dedicate a day or a weekend to your friends. Whether old or new, take a break and invest in your relationship with them. It’s good for your emotional and mental health to reconnect and deepen your friendships with those in your life.

No matter how old we get, friends are essential. Parenthood can be lonely and isolating. Pause and take some time to invest in the friends that are in your life this friendship day. You’ll be happy you did. 

To learn more about creating lasting friendships and building community, check out our article on “Friends are made shoulder to shoulder.“

To take your friendship celebrations to the next level, consider hosting a GameTruck party and creating unforgettable memories with your friends.

Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a Sunday in Portland, Oregon? Attend Kyron’s Car show! Whether you want to show off your car or spectate with your kids, this event is awesome! Inspired by a family trip to a car show with Kyron, every year The Kyron Horman Foundation hosts this show in honor of Kyron Horman, a little boy who went missing in 2010 from school. You can read more about his story here.

The Mission of The Kyron Horman Foundation: Helping Families of Missing Children

Founded by his dad, Kaine, the foundation strives to help families of missing children. Their mission is to help bring missing children home to their families. From helping families partner with law enforcement to creating public awareness campaigns to providing counsel, The Kyron Horman Foundation comes alongside families in their darkest hours as they live through a parent’s worst nightmare. The foundation is a volunteer nonprofit where all donations go directly to helping bring kids home to their families. 

GameTruck’s Support: Proudly Sponsoring Kyron’s Car Show

This is why GameTruck is a proud supporter of the Kyron Car Show and has been since 2015. 

1. Free, free, free!
   • This awesome event is free for all spectators, and this includes parking! The event will feature live music, raffles, food, and fun for the whole family!
   • If you’re looking to register your car, it’s very affordable at only $20 with all money going to support The Kyron Horman Foundation in their mission of coming alongside families of missing children. 
2. You can be a winner with 90+ available awards!
   • With so many fun categories, you can vote for your favorite! Some categories include decades, classics, under construction, student, and so many others! Did you know that there is also a GameTruck Choice Award? There is! Will you be the one to win it? Pre-register your car now and check out the list of available award categories! 
3. It’s about hope.
   • Even though it’s been 12 years, no one has given up hope. Join the owners of over 300 vehicles and bikes to support families like Kyron’s. 

Looking for more ways to support the Kyron Horman Foundation? Head over to their website to learn more about how you can help. One easy way you can make a difference is by attending the Kyron Car Show. Have a fun Sunday morning with your family while supporting a worthy cause. Be sure to share on social media so others can get involved too!

Be sure to checkout more blog like Spend Some Quality Time with Your Kids. Watch The Cuphead Show!