I can’t believe the summer is almost over, I feel like it wasn’t long enough and I don’t want it to end. Probably because I live where it gets cold so I don’t want the weather to change. (I love the sun!) Anyway, I know it’s ending so it’s time to prepare. Here are my 10 healthy tips to get your kids back to school:
1. Early Bedtime- Start getting your kids used to an early bedtime. If your like us the summer ruins our nighttime routines. I try to stick to them as much as possible but with parties, fireworks, and fun it is hard. I like to get the kids into a routine of early bedtime at least 2 weeks before school starts.
2. Plan Healthy Lunches- I really like to plan my kids lunches for the month. It might seem like a lot but I just put it on a calendar then each week when I go grocery shopping I know exactly what I need. Then come the next month I pretty much have it all figured out cause I can use the same lunches.
3. Have a Morning Schedule- Don’t wait until the day of to figure it out, or you will have utter chaos! Plan out how the morning will be, shower times, breakfast, etc…You will be glad you did come that first morning.
4. Don’t wait until the last minute for shopping- School supplies get really picked over the closer it gets to school starting so shop now and avoid having to “hunt” for what you need.
5. Wellness checkup- It is always a good idea to get your kids checked up at the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, etc…Then if your kids are like mine and wear glasses you can get them new prescriptions so they will be seeing their best at school. To learn more about protecting the health and wellness of children’s eyes and to locate an eye doctor near you, visit www.Transitions.com.
6. Breakfast is the most important meal- So make sure you feed your kids a good one. It doesn’t have to be complicated. I like oatmeal cause it’s healthy, fast, easy, and filling.
7. Wardrobe- I remember as a kid shopping for back to school clothes was my favorite thing. I loved getting new clothes and I would plan all of my outfits for the first week of school. Let your kids pick out what they like (parent approved of course) so they feel a sense of independence.
8. Start practicing homework time now- You can start implementing homework sessions now so your kids will be in a routine once school starts. Take the time to practice their skills, math, reading, etc…It kills 2 birds with one stone because not only are you getting the routine established but you are brushing them up on the things they learned the year before.
9. Back to Family Dinner- Summer usually ruins all normalcy at our house. I like to start getting back to family dinners each nice, since the summer usually interferes. Getting back to our regular routine I think calms the kids before school starts.
10. Transportation- Make sure you and your child both know what the transportation to and from school is going to be. Whether it is the bus, a carpool, walking, etc…That way everyone will be familiar with it and their won’t be any problems the day of.
I hope my tips help to make your back to school time a good one. I would love to hear your tips and I hope everyone has a good back to school experience.
*I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
