How many ice cream cones have you eaten all summer?  Is that the extent of the math lessons in your house this summer?

It’s hard to believe that summer is winding down and it’s time to start gearing up for back to school.  As parents it’s important that we wrap our heads around the concept first and come up with a game plan for getting everyone else in the house on board with the looming and inevitable transition.  There are a few things you can do to gear up subtly while still enjoying the waning days of summer.

Sleeping and eating healthy are crucial to a good start to the school year for both you and your kids.  Over the next couple of weeks start adjusting your body to earlier bedtimes and waking times by going to sleep and waking up at the same time consistently.  Re-establish a bedtime routine that includes a shower/bath, winding down time, reading and a calm sleep environment.  Keep electronic devices out of bedrooms at night.  If possible, adhere to the same routine on weekends; it will make sticking to it a little easier.

During the next few weeks, make sure your kids are getting outside, drinking plenty of fluids and are eating a healthy, well balanced diet which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Encourage them to sit down, slow down and savor their food whether it’s a full meal or a snack and discourage endless grazing.  Start pulling together ideas for fast and healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  Smoothies, eggs, yogurt, cheese and fruit are great options. Getting your kids involved in the process of finding recipes, food shopping and cooking will get them a little more excited about healthy menu planning and eating.

Re-establish an organized drop off area in your home for backpacks, shoes and jackets if you’ve forgotten about it.  The space should be set up before school starts so kids know where everything is in the morning and they know where to put there things when they get home.  A designated hook, basket and cubby for each family member is ideal.

Be consistent in any and all of your efforts to get back to a routine and be positive about the upcoming year.  And in the meantime there are still a few fire flies to catch and s’mores to be made.

Written by Jodi Aishton | Space Therapy Montclair LLC