Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

43 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ReadMPM.com feature at the beginning of the school year. “Without mine, I would be a mess. Students need to use them, and parents need to check them. Don’t let them leave things blank. If there is no homework for a class, they should write that or simply ‘none.’” He believes children can benefit from activities outside of school. “This is especially important for kids who struggle to make friends,” he noted. He also pointed out jam-packed schedules have adverse effects. “It leaves kids with little time to keep up with their schoolwork and still decompress.” He emphasized looking for the signs such as “grades taking a dip or if parents themselves are exhausted from the daily grind of carting their children around.” Downtime is important and essential for a healthy family environment. HANDLING HIGH SCHOOL “Students frequently tell us they do better during their busy sports or activity season because they have to schedule their time more effectively,” said Laura Carroll, school counseling director for Wando High School. “The beauty of a calendar for a high school student that incorporates academics including test dates, extracurricular activities/ work and even downtime is that it shows you and your child at a glance if they are ‘overscheduled.’” Carroll supports a balanced after-school schedule. “Getting your high school student involved in clubs, sports, volunteering or even work is great for resume building. However, adding too many activities is counter- productive if it impacts grades and/or causes stress.” Carroll invited parents to monitor the amount of time students spend on their various activities and to overall “find a personalized balance — because what works for your neighbor’s child might not work for yours.” The Common • 210 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant • 843-884-4814 www.ragamuffinchildrensboutique.com • www.strideritemountpleasant.com DANCE SHOP | PUMPKIN PATCH | GAME DAY | HOLIDAY | COTILLION | COORDINATING OUTFITS | PICTURE PERFECT Whether you’re a trendsetter, preppy, totally traditional, or loving the European flare, we have the perfect outfits for your children. Newborn to size 7 Children’s Boutique Monogramming Euro, Classic, Trendy & Exclusive Brands All the Top Brands in Shoes! Expert Shoe Fitters! Complete DANCE Shop Tween and Teen 7-16! Jr.’s, Ladies, Boys 8-20 PREPPED AND POSED FOR ANY OCCASION! Voted Best Children’s Boutique! Locally owned and operated for 66 years! @RagamuffinChildrensBoutique @Strideritemountpleasant @RadicalRags