Real Estate Blog

Your kids have enjoyed the long, lazy days of summer. They’ve gone to bed late each night and slept late every morning. Unfortunately, your little ones are starting back to school in a few days. You’re worried chaos will ensue. If you can relate to this scenario, you’re not alone. Getting back into the school routine can be challenging. To make this process run more smoothly at your home this year, consider adhering to the following tips.

1. Prepare School Lunches after Dinner
   Do you struggle to get out the door on time every morning? You might especially encounter difficulties when your kids are in school. Instead of trying to make school lunches each hectic morning at your house, prepare them the night before. Making them right after dinner is a smart idea. If you mess up any utensils in the process, you can wash them with your dinner dishes.
2. Select School Outfits at Night
   Deciding what to wear to school can be a chore for some kids, especially teens. Even if your children wear uniforms to school, they might not be able to decide if they want to wear shorts, slacks, or skirts. Siblings may argue over who gets to wear a particular sweater or pair of shoes on any particular day. To avoid wasting time on wardrobe issues each morning, select your kids’ outfits for school at night. If your kids are older, make sure they accomplish this task before you retire to your bedroom.
   
3. Unplug from Electronics before Bedtime
   Getting a good night’s rest before school is vital for your kids. To establish a good sleep routine for school, require them to unplug from electronics at least two hours before bedtime. Utilizing electronic gadgets stimulates your brain. This stimulation can keep you awake at night. Instead of spending the last couple of hours before bedtime texting friends, surfing the internet, or watching television, consider planning special family time. Read to your little ones, tell them stories, sing to them, or play board games with them.
4. Establish a Schedule for the Bathroom
   Do family members fight over the bathroom on school mornings? Establish a schedule for this important room in the home. Post the schedule on the bathroom door. To prevent someone from having to get ready extremely early or late each day, consider changing the schedule weekly or monthly.
   
5. Place School Related Items Near the Door
   If your kids frequently forget backpacks, lunchboxes, and other school related items, place them near the front door at night. Before your children walk out the door to catch the school bus, they’ll see their belongings and grab them. Keeping weather related items such as umbrellas and raincoats close to the front door is another great idea.

The start of a school year can be both an exciting and stressful event for families. To make this school year the best one yet at your household, consider following the aforementioned tips.