As you know I taught Family & Consumer Science (Home Economics) for 11 years before leaving my career to stay home with my son. It is hard to believe that I have been out of the classroom for 4 years! This is the time of the year when I would be gearing up to start a new year and anticipating the first day of school with my students and this year I am not preparing myself buy my son! It is hard to believe that he is starting kindergarten.
I recently participated in a webcast with parenting expert, Annie Pleshette hosted by Office Max. After listening to the webcast I wanted to share with you 5 tips for Back-to-School Success.
1. It is very important to transition from summer to school. You want to create a set bedtime and routine for your children. In the 2 weeks before school start by getting into a routine of going to bed 10 minutes earlier until you are at the time you want for the children’s set bedtime. Annie, suggests introducing a quiet family time an hour before bed to help children settle down as well.
2. Avoid extra activities (if possible) the 1st week of school. It is a huge transition for your children the first week of school. If possible miss extra activities and allow your children time to settle into their new routine without distractions. This one is going to be hard for us because it is also the first week of soccer practice and hubby is the coach.
3. Prep the night before so that your morning runs smoothly. Pack back packs, school lunches, lay out clothes. Anything that you can do to simplify your morning routine is key. Don’t forget to add special touches from home. Use cookie cutters to turn sandwiches into shapes, put notes in your child’s lunchbox, pack their favorite comfort food. Another tip is to freeze their grapes or juice pouch to help keep their lunch cool. Giving them something to look forward to at lunchtime. Be sure to check out my review on snackTAXIS for a great way to help save the planet while you pack lunches!
4. Create a positive relationship with your children’s teachers. I suggest sending a note or email to your child’s teacher. I suggest asking your child’s teacher if she has a wishlist of items that you could help with or send in items that you think would be beneficial with a note. I am personally sending a little gift the first day of school. I had special parents who did this for me throughout my teaching career and I will never forget it!
5. Create a First Day of School Tradition. Our tradition is that I cook “Mickey Mouse” pancakes and bacon on the first day of school and we always take a picture of my son on our front porch holding a sign that says the name of the school and year (see above). This way we never forget the year and we are able to see his growth from year to year. It is a special tradition and I dont’ have to embarrass him at school by taking a picture 
Don’t forget to check here for great TAX FREE shopping!
What tips to you have for making Back-to-School a success?
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Even if your child is not sure if he or she wishes to play sports this year, it is sometimes difficult to schedule an appointment for a sports physical. If possible, make all doctor, eye, dental, and orthodontic appointments before school starts; it’s just one less appointment to make around academic and after school schedules.
I have already started transitioning the kids bedtime to get ready for school next week!
For special needs kids like my daughter, routine is even more important than for typical children. Get the routine started early, as mentioned and talk to them about the return to school a week or two early.
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