You've bought the backpack, filled it with supplies and have the shot records ready to go, but for some reason you're feeling as if something is missing.
1. Create a tradition for the first day of school. At my house, it's Nutella Crescent Rolls waiting for the kids when they get off the bus. Other parents make sure they walk the kids to the bus stop or take a cute photo with a sign that says the date, grade, school and teacher.
2. Celebrate the last days of summer. School's not in session yet! Make sure you take advantage of the Dog Days of Summer to hang out at the pool or beach, visit the park, or go camping. Do whatever means summer to your family.
3. Move around together. Summer is a great time to take advantage of moving indoors. Skating, bowling or a local bounce house. Most of these businesses have great summer rates. Check your local Macaroni Kid site to find deals and steals in your area.
4. Start the routines. This is the perfect time to start getting back into your regular school routine. Each day, wake the kids up a little earlier until they are up at the correct time. Try prepping or even packing lunches the night before. Having the lunches packed already will help you head out the door to take advantage of the last days of summer. (Refer back to points 2 and 3.)
5. Do practice runs. Routines are one thing, but figuring out how long your kids need to get ready in the morning is crucial. Some kids need a slow start to their morning. It may take them an hour just to eat breakfast. Others are in such a hurry to get to school they are dressed and ready to head out in as little as fifteen minutes. Since the kids are getting up early now, time them to see how long it takes for them to get ready and how much guidance they need from you. This little pre-emptive strike will take the pressure off you and the kids once school is in session since you will know exactly how much time to allot for them to get ready.
The last few weeks of summer and the first few weeks of school are all about change and transition. These few tips will help your family make the most of the summer, while preparing for the upcoming school year. It will also help alleviate some of that morning stress that comes when you are trying to get the kids out the door in a certain amount of time.
Do you do something special for back to school? Cupcakes? Silly songs? Special breakfast? Share it with us (a picture would be great) of your family celebrating back-to-school HERE.
