“I cannot WAIT for you kids to go back to school!” Does anyone else remember their parents saying that?! Maybe now you find yourself saying it, I know I do sometimes! Around this time of year I get really excited for school to start. Don’t get it wrong, I love being able to create memories and have summer fun with my daughter, Adrianna. But dang, do I also love having structure and routine with school! It can be tricky to get back into the swing of things after a more relaxed summer. Here are my top tips for creating back to school routines from summer break.
Morning and Bedtime Routines – Start EARLY
I usually start this process 3-4 weeks before school starts. I explain to Adrianna that with school around the corner, it is important to get her mind and body back into a school routine. We SLOWLY ease into a bedtime routine, meaning earlier bedtime, reading, and lights out at a certain time. I do this in 15 minute increments, working up to the goal bedtime the last full week before school starts.
Lunchtime
I start this process about a week before school starts. I pack a lunch for Adrianna, just like I would for school, and have her eat at the table in a certain timeframe. This helps get her adjusted to not eating at any point in the day or taking as long as she wants. We all know lunchtime flies by for those kids during school! I love using other resources for great lunch ideas. This one is one of my favorites.
Checklists are KEY!
I love creating checklists! What we need to get before school starts, our checklist for the morning, after school, and evening before school. I found that having checklists helps keep Adrianna on track in the morning, after school, and to get ready for the next day! I also found that a checklist before the school year started helped get Adrianna excited for the upcoming school year, instead of dreading it.
What to do in an Emergency
Every year, I take time to review with Adrianna what she needs to do in the case of an emergency. This is NEVER an easy conversation, and every child is different. But, having a plan in place is important for our family. Adrianna truly wants to know what she should do in any given situation, so talking through different scenarios for when she is at school is also crucial.
Remember, the start of the school year can be crazy, but having a plan is important! Easing into a school routine will not only make your life easier, but help your kids out as well.
