Back to School Checklist

Keep your family sane as you transition back into the school year with these essential ideas:

Ease Into An Earlier Bedtime:  Begin to slowly adjust bedtime a week prior to the first day of school. Shaving 10-15 minutes off  bedtime each night before school starts lessens the shock value and allows for kids' natural biological clocks to adjust.

Also, don't let your teen sleep with their phone in their room and text during the night.  Put rules in place so your kids are rested for school.

Regularly-Scheduled Mealtimes: When children know what to expect, it lessens their anxiety.  Plan mealtimes that consider everyone’s daily activity schedules, paying particular attention to the last time a meal was made available.

Display A Calendar:  This allows not only for the family to stay connected, but it also affords you the opportunity to reserve available quality family time. Are your kids always on their cell phones?  Use Google calendar or another app!

Include Children, When Appropriate, In Decision-Making: When children feel that their suggestions have been incorporated, they're often more willing to follow house rules. 

For example, you can include children in on discussions concerning after-school TV time and appropriate shows to watch.

Communication is Key: Decide to maintain your level of interest and involvement this year by periodically calling your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s progress.

This is equally as important if you live separately from your child. It establishes a working relationship so that you stay informed. Both you and the school can communicate and work as a team to ensure that your child has a successful educational experience.

Well-rested, well-fed, children go to school with an increased ability to concentrate...and they come home a little bit more sane, too!