Make Back to School Easier

It’s that time of year again…. The kids are going back to school!!! And while I love the ease of summer, I am so very ready to get back into a routine. And get the kids back into a routine, because as much as they hate to admit it, they crave it just as much as I do! In our house, the week before school starts is usually when we start to get ourselves together and get organized. And if you’re looking for some help in the back to school routine department…. Read on as I share 5 tips to make back to school easy (or at least easier)!!

1. CREATE GOOD SLEEP HABITS

• Be consistent: Kids thrive on consistency… the NEED consistency! Especially during the school year, it’s completely critical to have a consistent bedtime routine. Of course, it will look different for every family, but the key is to find what works for you and stick with it.

• Create a routine: This goes along with consistency, but it is important to set a routine. That is… the same things, in the same order, every night. My kids have gotten so used to their routines, that I barely have to remind them anymore.

• Make sure your kids get adequate sleep: Did you know that the brain is one of the most active parts of the body during sleep? Because of this, sleep plays a vital role in learning. It helps us to retain new information and remember it. (This is true for everyone, not just kids)

2. MAKE HEALTHY MORNING HABITS

• Wake up before your kids: This step makes a HUGE difference!!!! If you need some help in this area… contact me for my Rise and Shine program. Having some time to yourself, before the craziness of the day will start the day off right. Trust me!

• Try to prepare a healthier breakfast: I know this can be tricky, especially if your kids are picky eaters like mine, or not huge breakfast eaters. But the trick is to find what they like and going with it.

• Create a morning chore routine: Mornings can be chaotic, I get it, but setting up a morning chore routine can help. Keep it simple, but consistent. For example, make your bed, brush your teeth….

• Be present: Sit down and talk to your kids during breakfast. Sometimes just giving them your attention for a few minutes before they go into a full day of school can be the difference between a good day and a bad day.

3. GET ORGANIZED

• Meal plan: Making school lunches is one of my least favourite things to do (it’s up there with cleaning bathrooms), but having a plan for the week makes a huge difference. Also, get your kids involved, let them help pack it and pick the extras.

• Plan ahead: make lunches the night before, get clothes out for the morning, make sure everyone knows what’s on the schedule for the next day…. Do whatever you can to make mornings less chaotic. 

• Create a family calendar: Between sports, work, field trips, fundraisers, dance classes, you name it, there is A LOT to keep track of! It’s helpful to create one central calendar that includes all of this info.

• Delegate: You are NOT weak if you ask for help! Say it with me… “I am NOT weak if I ask for help.” Sometimes, it’s essential to sit down on a Sunday afternoon and plan out the week, make lists of what needs to be done and delegate those tasks that can be done by someone else.

• Purge: Go through all the paper that accumulates once a month (or more) and toss the things you don’t want. Some people take pictures of their children’s artwork so they still have the art, without the bulk.

4. FIND A GOOD HOMEWORK ROUTINE

• Remove distractions: Some kids can do their homework in the kitchen with you, while you’re making dinner, while others will need silence. Find what works best and go with it.

• Take a break: While you might think it best to get it all done right away, let them take a break, have a snack and relax. After all, they have been sitting in school for 6+ hours.

• Make a homework station: Create a space that is their space. If they work best at the kitchen table, so be it, but if they don’t, create a space where they can focus and are comfortable.

5. CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Be your child’s biggest fan: They need to know we have their backs and are their biggest fans. Celebrate the small victories (and the big ones too).

• Listen to your kids: Set aside some time each day to have a conversation with your kids. Sometimes all your kids need is someone to listen without judgement.  Or instead of settling for "Good" when you ask how their day was, ask some open ended questions like, "Who did you play with at recess?"  "What was one good thing that happened today?"

• Make a reward chart: Maybe your child struggles with reading (just an example). Work together, make a plan and a reward chart. This gives them a goal to reach for.  

Simple little things that don't take much time or effort can be the difference between an easy, peaceful morning and a chaotic one!

xo

Carrie