I do not know about anyone else, but I hang on to summer like my clingy child on the first day back to daycare after a long vacation. Crying, holding on so tight, begging for summer not to go, does anyone else feel the same?!
But with summer coming to an end, it is also an exciting time for kids. Gearing up for the new school year means new clothes, new supplies, and new routines. I’m here to help you get ready by creating new back to school routines that will help you and your family smoothly transition into a new school year.
Getting a Back to School Routine in Place
Starting the school year can be really rough. The new wake-up time, the earlier bedtime (it’s still light outside!), extracurricular activities, school work, play dates, the list just goes on and on!
One thing I learned after the first year of pure chaos is establishing a routine for myself is just as important for my child. Let me break it down for you:
Tip One: I start my new routine ten days in advance.
That means, if school is back in session on August 25th, then I am starting my routine 10 days prior on August 15th. This gives me time to work out any of my kinks with MY time and also get my body acclimated to the new schedule.
Tip Two: Plan in advance.
I plan out my month with whatever sports practices, social events, school events, or appointments we have. Then, I break that month down by the week. Writing all of my family’s activities on the calendar helps keep everyone else in the loop of what we have going on. It also helps me schedule out my ME time.
Tip Three: Getting your children in a new routine.
What this looks like for me is setting a new bedtime routine and times for my daughter, about a week in advance. I also start to slowly wake her up earlier and earlier every day, about a week out from school starting.
Tip Four: Breathe.
It can be SO stressful at the beginning of the school year, I am there EVERY year. But, every year, I also make it a point to remind myself of how I am capable of anything, that I am a mom, and there is nothing I will not or cannot not figure out. I also make it a point to introduce myself to Adrianna’s teachers and make it known that if they need anything to not hesitate to communicate with me. Open communication is key to her success.
Cheers mama bears! You have ALMOST made is through summer break! Now, it is time to kick back, relax. Who am I kidding? Now it is time to rush out the door, make sure you have everyone, that all the lunches are packed, water bottles in bags, homework completed and that your child is properly clothed!
Rock this school year – remember, you are stronger than you think!
