After months of spontaneous summer fun, it can be a challenge for families to get back into a back-to-school routine...a little planning ahead will help everyone transition.
After months of spontaneous summer fun, it can be a challenge for families to get back into a back- to-school routine. And while setting some boundaries in the time leading up to the first day of school might feel like putting a damper on summer, a little planning ahead will help everyone transition.
The goal is to keep general consistency during the summer so that back-to-school isn’t such a shock.
Summertime is a great opportunity for kids and parents alike to get their wiggles out after the rigor and structure of the school year. Children greatly benefit from unstructured play time, in moderation, and if you’re lucky enough to have some time off yourself, it’s great for adults to unwind and reconnect with the family.
There’s nothing like the first-day-of-summer feeling, right after school lets out. Back to school seems a lifetime away and the months stretch out before you, full of possibility. However, after a few days of full-on summer, it can be helpful to put a bit of structure around those dog days.
Some tips for a schedule that flows leisurely days:
• Keep meal times consistent
• Schedule age-appropriate blocks of time for play and rest
• Make time for reading, drawing and other quiet activities
• Observe reasonable curfews and keep bed times relatively the same
• Don’t let kids sleep the day away!
Of course, there will always be exceptions to the schedule when work or vacations intervene, but the goal is to keep general consistency during the summer so that back-to-school isn’t such a shock.
As the first day of school approaches, start to tighten up on bedtimes (and wake-up times, especially). Ease into a routine that more closely resembles a school time schedule, including eliminating naps and encouraging healthy eating. And of course, eek out every bit of remaining summer freedom in the final days so that kids (and parents) have great experiences to propel them into the school year.
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