UAEX Benton County Extension Family and Consumer Science

Back to school tip #4 is to support the teachers!
Send an introductory email – search online for a free parent-teacher introduction email template and send an email to introduce yourself. It should be brief and concise. An email is also a better way to inform a teacher about important information rather than trying to verbally tell them everything at open house.
Support and encourage – Always be sure to support and encourage teachers every chance you get. Let your children hear you saying positive things about teachers. Help your child brainstorm a way they can show appreciation to the teacher even before school starts.

Our third back to school tip is to get back into routine. You can do this be re-establishing school time bio rhythms and easing your child into learning processes and school routine.

Re-stablish school time biorhythms by slowly working back into regular early bedtimes and mealtimes. Move bedtime earlier in small increments until you reach the time you plan to get them to bed during the school year.

Ease your child into learning processes and school routine by turning off the TV and encouraging your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, flash cards, or color as early morning activities instead of watching TV.

Back to school tip number 2 is to clear your schedule for the first few weeks of school. Starting school is a big transition for kids. It can exhaust them emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is important that we, as parents, make ourselves fully available to be there for them without stress of other events. It is an important time to focus on the new school schedule while allowing kids to defuse after school.

Resource: WVU

Start now getting organized before school begins with a "Homework Zone" and a place to keep school papers.

Set up a place to keep backpacks and school supplies near a door. In addition, kids can help set up a "Homework Zone" at a desk or table where they keep all their supplies doing homework.

Parent papers can be stored near your "Homework Zone" in an an accordion or other type of file folder. Always be sure to look them over as soon as you receive them.

Information from WVU
https://extension.wvu.edu/youth-family/parenting/back-to-school

May is EHC Month! AEHC (formerly Home Demonstration) has been in Arkansas since 1912. In this turn-of-the-century photo, members are learning about food preservation. Today's EHC members learn the latest Family and Consumer Sciences information and skills to improve quality of life. What is your club or council doing to celebrate EHC month?

“As of April 22, 2025, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is complying with federal Executive Orders, as well as Arkansas state laws that have been recently signed or enacted. Previous posts, publications, podcasts, news stories, etc. published on our webpages, social media posts, etc. were published in compliance with previous federal executive orders and regulations that have been revoked.”

There are so many amazing benefits to to a well-functioning parasympathetic nervous system! How do we active it?
Mild exercise
Meditation
Yoga
Deep breathing
Nature walks
Focus on a soothing word
Visualize tranquil scenes
Whatever helps you feel positive energy

The issue is that many of us have forgotten how to relax and feel positive energy. We have to retrain ourselves to activate the parasympathetic nervous system by using the practices listed above.

When we don't have anything left to give, it becomes difficult to show love to those around us. This Valentine's Day, remember to take care of yourself also! Below are 7 tips to take care of yourself this Valentine's Day.

1. Prioritize rest - get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. A nightly routine to help you unwind will improve your sleep quality so you can be at your best for your loved ones.

2. Have your own spa day at home - this will help you engage your parasympathetic nervous system so your body can relax and repair.

3. Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness and meditation will help you reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness.
Breathing exercises can help you stay grounded amidst the demands of everyday life.

4. Connect with loved ones - This day isn't just about romance. Spending time with your loved ones is essential too your well-being, and nurturing your connections brings you joy. Nurture connections with friends and family.

5. Do physical activity - regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

6. Practice gratitude - a positive mindset can help you shift your focus from negativity to positivity and improve overall mental well-bring. Write down or tell someone why you are grateful for them today.

7. Indulge in your favorite activities - Carving out some "me-time" is essential for self-care and can help you recharge your energy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Information from East Ohio College.

Yoga is a great way to engage your parasympathetic nervous system. Below is a calming exercise you can do right now from wherever you are.
From Mountain Pose (Sitting or standing up straight, planted feet, hands resting by your sides, palms facing out), conduct a body scan.
Body scan: Take a deep breath in hen slowly let it out through your mouth. Bring your attention to your feet. Feel them planted into the ground beneath you. Slowly move your focus up to your legs and notice the light bend you have in your knees. Next, bring your attention to your hips, then your back, and your chest. You notice your shoulders are rolled back and down away from your ears. Your arms extended to both sides. Your neck is in line with your spine. Your gaze is forward as you stand tall and strong. Imagine a string being pulled from the top of your head allowing you to stand up or sit up in alignment with your body. Breath in slowly... and slowly let it out.

Research on the benefits of a well-functioning parasympathetic nervous system is quickly evolving but right now there are at least some links to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, increased digestive metabolism, decreased migraines, increased emotional and overall physical health, and increased life-span. A healthy mind-body connection overall is linked to healthy well-being and relationships. From these research results we can deduce that engaging the parasympathetic nervous system is more important to overall health (including physical health) than we had previously thought.