It’s almost here. Back to school. This year is such an odd year for school (thanks pandemic). Our mixed emotions are difficult, but we are all coming around to the idea that a fresh year is about to begin.
Over the years, we have prepared for back to school in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways we go about it:
1- Begin the new sleep schedule
We need a new back-to-school sleep routine. We’ve moved bedtime up earlier and are working on maintaining a new, more structured bedtime plan. It hasn’t always been easy, but we know we have to keep with it. The sleeping in needs to stop too (and that goes for me as well!)
2- We shop and include the kids
The kids love getting new stuff (of course), and by including them in some of the decision making about their school supplies or their new clothes, we are getting them excited about returning. But we’ve also talked about how to reuse items and that not everything has to be brand new. Thrifting can help save you some money parents!
3- We talk
We have long conversations about what we are looking forward to this school year, what is making them nervous, and of course since this year is so different, we are open and honest that there is a lot of unknown. Dinner conversations are inclusive of their questions and concerns, and we try to listen and respond accordingly. There are always mixed emotions.
4- We find learning moments in the day to day
There are learning opportunities all around us, constantly, and even when the kids don’t realize they are learning, they are. Even in the summer.
By keeping the communication open, keeping some routines, getting the rest we need and being open to adjusting plans as needed, we are going to try and do our best.
