Ready, Set.......GO!!!

What does August mean to you?  If you have children, it may mean back-to-school!  In my house, this is less of a celebration, since it also means MY summer is over!  I am heading back to Kindergarten.  Again.  For the 16th time.  17th if you include the year I was actually IN Kindergarten! hehe

Our summer has been fantastic, albeit short!  It is so nice not to have to set an alarm for several weeks, to run errands in the middle of a weekday when stores are not crowded, to head to the beach or the movies "just because" ...and just to catch up on LIFE!   I am very appreciative of this time off to recharge-- and believe me, I need it!   Oh boy.

Switching gears to routines and alarms and getting everyone to school on time is easier said than done!  So I have some tips for you to get your school year off to a GREAT start!

1. Plan ahead.  Pack lunches the night before.  Have older kids help you or pack their own lunches!

2. Post your schedule.  Put it in writing!  Let your kids know what time they need to get up, eat 

breakfast, and be out the door so that everyone is on time and there is no last-minute rushing around!

3. Have everyone put their school things by the front door the night before!  There is nothing more frustrating than being ready to head out the door and suddenly someone can't find their folder/backpack/shoes!

4. Schedule homework time and daily downtime.  It can be hard for kids to readjust to the demands of a new school year.  I like to give them a little time to relax after school, have a snack, and then delve into homework-- but do what works best for you and your family!  During homework time in our house, the TV is off and I am available to help when needed.  This is a good time for me to work on my South Hill Designs business-- which also serves as my "downtime" after a demanding school day!  

5. Plan something fun for the weekend!  Even if it's just a family movie or game night, it's good to have some time to reconnect after a busy week.  

My most important piece of advice would be to be ready to go with the flow!  It's not going to be perfect!  But after a few weeks, you'll all be back in the routine and everything will be moving along pretty smoothly.  Good luck on a wonderful new school year!!!

Have a Charming Day!