Countdown to a New School Year

Originally Published August 2013

The start of a new school year is just around the corner.  And if you are like me, I look forward to my children returning to school.  They have had a great summer, but they need structure to return to their lives…and so do I!  But how do you get them ready so that August 26, isn’t a mad rush with tired kids?  Start now. Begin to transition into the year so that on Day 1, your kids are ready to get up and get going.

If you haven’t already done so, start getting to bed earlier.  Our body clocks make it difficult to go from sleeping in to getting up early each day without adjusting.  Each night make bedtime a little earlier and get your kids up a little earlier each morning.  Depending on the age of your child, try 15 minutes earlier each night until you have a bedtime that is optimal for them. 

For older children, talk to them about their fall schedules and how they need to plan for sleep, extra-curricular activities, work, friends, etc.  It’s important to include older children in discussions of how to be at their best for school. They will one day be on their own and understanding their own needs will be very beneficial to them when you aren’t there to manage them.

Also, try to institute some academic time in the evening to get ready for homework. This time doesn’t need to replicate homework.  But turn off the television and do some reading.  Start to plan for a homework environment.  Do you need to gather school supplies for home?  There is nothing worse than having to go to the store at 10:00 at night to get glue or other supplies.  Again, include your children in planning for evening activities and homework. Planning also helps to create the right mindset for the upcoming year.

Finally, I wish you a wonderful school year filled with new friends, new discoveries, and new experiences.  Have a great 2013-2014!