Saved By The Bell
Getting your kids ready to go back to school means more than just picking up new clothes and school supplies. Many families find getting back into the school-year routine challenging and exhausting. So I put together a quick checklist that can make the first days back in the saddle a piece of cake.
- Rise and Shine – Beginning one to two weeks before school starts, slowly move bedtime and wakeup times back to what they should be during the school year. This will get kids back in the routine of going to bed and waking up at the appropriate times for school.
- Setup a Family Calendar – Take the time to block out a family calendar with all school holidays, performances, and extracurricular activities. This will keep you and your kids on top of their commitments and make sure you don’t miss a beat when a last minute recital pops up.
- Designate Desk Space – Setup a designated work location for homework and studying. Setting up an organized and well-stocked place to work on homework can be just as helpful as blocking time to do the task. Make sure you minimize distractions in this space.
- Set Goals – Sit down with your kids for a goal-writing session. Everyone could write themselves letters and seal them in envelopes to revisit at the end of the year. Make sure you celebrate accomplishing goals throughout the school year, both small and big, this will help reinforce the importance of setting goals for your kids.
- Stock Up On Supplies – Make sure you check with your local schools for school supplies lists. It may also be a good idea to keep a set at home, so you have all of the materials necessary for homework.
Getting back into the swing of the school year can be difficult for everyone, but with these simple steps, you’re sure to sail through the first semester.