For our family, September has always represented the New Year. All of the activities start up again at this time, and there are many choices to be made. We always feel an air of excitement, and anticipation as August winds down.

However, amongst the running around for more clothes and school supplies, we have always stopped long enough to think about our new routine for the upcoming year.

I know from personal experience that unless you deliberately stop, and think about what kind of experiences you want to see with your children that you are setting yourself up for needless frustration. If you are not making specific plans you are choosing to live your family life by default rather than by design.

I am not advocating a very controlling routine where there is no room for improvisation or unexpected events. I'm suggesting that you develop a way of functioning that allows for optimal learning, enjoyment, and respect for all. Having a sense of ease and FLOW to the day is magical.

It is proven that children benefit from having a certain structure to their school week. As a parent, you want to avoid being in continuous negotiations with them over homework, bed times, T.V and so on.

As a Mom and educator for 24 years, I do know that a routine offers a framework on which kids can hang their learning. Children are comfortable and comforted in knowing what is expected of them, and what is coming up on the horizon. Deep down they want to know that you, the adult in their life, have a sense of calm and control.

A routine sets the stage for maximum learning and growth through out the day. The following suggestions are simple and yet they can bring profound changes.

Limit your child's T.V. Unless there is a conscious choice of what is being watched and that there is time taken to discuss the programs seen, kids experience T.V. by default, and they are open to all that is played out in front of them. They get erroneous messages, and start forming false beliefs that will not serve them.

Let your kids play outside and release pent up energy. It's surprising to see how much more interesting their life gets when the sources of artificial excitement are eliminated. You will begin to notice that their sleep will become more restful.

Now, you can even have your children listen to Ellie Drake's BraveHeart Kidz affirmation CD as they fall asleep. Watch the magic happen!

Plan meal times and take the time to break bread together. Have them tell you about the best part of their day, and in turn share things about your time away from them. What matters is that family members take the time to acknowledge each other, at the beginning and at the end of each day.

Next, with your child, give some thought to homework time. When and how will homework get done?

A most enjoyable activity is reading together, and sharing stories. Story time offers a wonderful opportunity to teach family values, as you discuss events and adventures found between the pages. Stories have the power to encourage, to uplift, to make us realize that others have similar experiences, and that we are not alone.

Finally, it is crucial that children have some quiet time to process what is going on in their life and to wind down.

In closing, I wish you and your loved ones a fabulous new school year, filled with moments of joyful discovery.

"Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins. - Jim Rohn