Back-to-school season is right around the corner and although we’re sad to say so long to summer days, we are looking forward to getting back into a routine for the start of fall. Whether you are a parent getting kids ready for back to school or a working professional getting back into a routine after having fun in the summer sun, here are seven tips to finding a back-to-school routine that works for both kids and adults.
#1: Get Some Sleep
Sleep is essential to everyone, especially children. Get your kids on a “back-to-school” sleep schedule two weeks before the first day of classes. Need to work on your own bedtime? Try a new nighttime routine. Turn off all the screens an hour before bed and do something to relax and unwind. Curl up with a good book, meditate, or practice a light yoga routine, pick something you enjoy and try it out for a week or two. You may even find you sleep better.
#2: Stock Up on Supplies
Take an inventory of what school supplies you already have on hand that may be left over from last year and then make a list of school supplies needed for the new school year. If you don’t have a family to shop for, take advantage of the back-to-school deals for yourself. 5 notebooks for $5, don’t mind if we do!
#3: Get Active
Parents, get children involved in after-school programs to keep them active. Make sure you get moving too. The holidays are only four short months away, so what better time to join a gym or sign up for classes at a local studio? There is still time for your New Year’s resolutions you made back in January. Remember, it’s never too late to get started.
#4: Pick Out Outfits
Ask children to pick out the next day’s outfit the night before to avoid the morning scramble to get out the door. If you are feeling extra motivated, pick out outfits for the whole week! Follow their lead and do the same for yourself. Lay out an outfit for the office, pack your gym bag and plan ahead for the next day. Trust us, you will be thanking yourself in the morning!
#5: Pack Lunches
Besides laying out clothes for the next day, pack everyone’s lunch the night before. That includes your office lunch too! Ask children to help and get them involved. Be sure to stock up on healthy snack options like fresh fruit and farmers market veggies so you have a well stocked fridge and pantry to pick from.
#6: Plan Play Dates
All work and no play is not fun for anyone. Make sure your kids have some fun play dates lined up for the first month of school so they have something fun to look forward to and while you’re at it, plan a play date for yourself. Take an afternoon for yourself to catch up with a good friend over a cup of coffee or plan a date night for you and your special someone.
#7: Stay Healthy
Cold and flu season is right around the corner. Make a conscience effort to make sure you and your family are all getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. The best way to load up on those micro-nutrients is through real food, but you can always compliment your healthy lifestyle with the addition of a multivitamin.
Looking for an easy back-to-school cleaning project? Make your own dishwasher pods! Simply combine (1) cup baking soda, (1) cup washing soap and (1) cup Kosher salt with 3/4 cup lemon juice. Spoon mixture into an ice cube tray then let sit for 24 hours before use. Using an ice cube tray will ensure the dishwasher pods are uniform in size and will fit nicely into your dishwasher.
Back-to-school routines are not just for kids, they can be used by adults too, so if you’re a parent or a working professional or both, take advantage of the back to school season and get back to some structure and routine.
Hosting a play date and looking for a fun after school activity for your children and their friends? Try these Fairy Treats.