Although we are still enjoying hot summer days and warm summer evenings, all across America school days are either here or are fast approaching!  Moms across the United States are doing silent celebrations while at the same time dealing with the anxiety of the dreaded back-to-school routine.  Sure many of your children have continued to practice their math and reading skills during the summer, enjoyed summer camp, or played with friends at the community pool, but they have also had a few months of well deserved down time to rest and entertain themselves and let a few brain cobwebs collect!  By now their batteries are recharged and it’s time to start thinking about the rat race of the school year again. 

Here are some tips from Harvard Pediatrician, Dr. Victoria McEvoy, on back to school preparation for the entire family: 

1. Do a mental walk through of the weekly schedule to avoid the crazy school morning chaos.  Have your kids (and you as well if you’re working) practice getting ready for school and work so you can plan departure times to allow for a peaceful and on time arrival at school and work.

2. Arrange carpools and negotiate driving duties with your spouse or neighbor ahead of time. 

3. Your kids are not going to be happy if they can stay up to 11:00 one night and have to be in bed by 8:00 the next night. Slowly reintroducing your regular bedtime and wake-up schedules prior to school starting so everyone is used to the change. 

In addition to purchasing the school clothes, new backpack, and school supplies, have them pick out a new alarm clock to practice the responsibility of getting themselves up. Also have them get dressed and eat breakfast when they get up, instead of playing and watching TV. 

4.Schools require immunizations and health forms. Many after school athletic programs require a physical. Get your appointment scheduled early and be sure to renew your child’s medications at the visit. Don’t forget permission forms for the school for any medication that has to be given at school, as many require a physician signature for these. 

5. Children often have anxiety at the start of school. If possible plan back to school with a friend and practice the routine for dropping off, where to go for after school day care, and picking up. Establish a plan for weather related closures and emergencies. 

6. Include family exercise every day. It can be challenging to get outdoor activity once the weather turns colder, but it is much easier if the family builds a schedule each day around physical outdoor activity. Biking, swimming, walking, baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball are all activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you have a family dog, include the kids in the daily walks. 

7. Control the junk food. We all love to eat ice cream and hot dogs in the summer not to mention salty chips, but summer is a good time to build good eating habits. Fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available and this is a habit we should carry into the fall. 

8. If your kids aren’t back to school yet, an hour a day of reading will encourage a wonderful addiction to books and help ease into the school year. If your child does not yet read, include story hour at bedtime. 

9. Limit television watching 

10. Plan Something Fun.  Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner.  Let your kids know that while the routines of homework and early to bed – early to rise are back in session, fun is still in store with a family activity or getaway for the last long weekend of summer. 

A little planning goes a long way to making the transition of back to school easier for the kids. Ideally the children will be well rested, fit, and maybe a little ready to get back in the routine.  Back to school can also be a stressful time for the parents but at Campbell Homes, we’ve taken some of the stress of back to school away by building in only the finest neighborhoods and award winning school districts like Academy School District 20 and Falcon School District 49.  For additional information on Colorado Springs’ schools, visit a Campbell Homes sales consultant for information on neighborhood schools for each Campbell Homes community.