As summer vacation draws to a close, it's time to make a smooth transition back to school. For stay-at-home moms and dads, it's a bittersweet journey. Summer is filled with time to play with your kids. On the other hand, a little me-time sounds pretty good about now. Either way, you have to accept the inevitable. Summer can't last forever. Here's how to ring out the summer and ring in the school year in 5 easy, gradual steps.
1. Start working school work into your day.
Summer vacation is a welcome break from school work. Kids need it. Still, they may have gotten a bit rusty. Plus, you're running out of things for them to do. Why not visit your local book store for grade appropriate school workbooks? Have them do a sheet or two each day to get back into the back-to-school swing gradually and with no pressure.
2. Buy those new school clothes a few at a time.
While getting it over in one fell swoop sounds tempting, it's also quite exhausting. Rather than making a mad, last-minute dash to the department store, take your back to school shopping one day at a time. Shop throughout the summer for bargains. By the time school starts, you'll be done. Not only that, you'll have done it cheaper. Plus, you won't have to worry about those much coveted shoes being out of stock.
3. How about those back-to-school physicals?
Why make a last minute appointment for shots and sports physicals? Do it mid-summer instead. The doctor's office will be much less crowded. You won't be so rushed to clear up any issues. You'll easily avoid last minute digging for records. Just get it done, pop everything in an envelope and you're good to go. Check with your kids' schools about early registration too. It's a lifesaver.
4. Transition into back-to-school calm.
Summer vacation is filled with raucous fun. There's nothing wrong with that. Once school starts, though, kids will have to tone things down a bit. It's hard to go from all out crazy to quiet and studious all at once. Why not make a gradual transition? During the last few weeks of summer, have some lazy afternoons. Read, do puzzles or just let kids zone out. Think of it as practicing for back-to-school quiet time.
5. Get kids used to early bed-times gradually.
During summer vacation, your kids' sleep schedule might be very different. In fact, they may not have a schedule at all. There's nothing wrong with that. It might, however, present a problem if the lack of schedule comes to an abrupt end the day before school starts. Why not gradually work kids back into a back-to-school sleep schedule? That way, they'll be well rested and ready to learn once the school bell starts ringing.
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