Back to School Prep: Getting the Kids Ready for School
The summer is coming to a close here in Orange County and the kids are finally heading back to school. But it can be hard to get the kids from summer mode into school mode. After all, they just spent the summer soaking up the sun, enjoying backyard BBQs and seeing their friends and family regularly. Now they’re going to have to come to terms with the fact that they’ll be spending six to eight hours a day in a classroom. Here are some simple things you can do to get your kids prepared for the upcoming school year so it’s not as big of a shock for them come the first day of school.
4 Tips to Get the Kids Ready for School in Orange County
Re-establish Routines
Summer is the time of year to bend the rules slightly. The days are longer and the kids don’t have to get up in the morning so it’s easy to extend curfews and bedtimes and let the kids sleep in. But kids can have a hard time getting into back to school mode. Start establishing their routine again, from the time they wake up in the morning to the amount of hours they’re allowed to be on their electronics or watching television. Re-establishing routine is one of the easiest ways to get your kids ready for school.
Create a Homework Spot
When kids get home from school, it’s homework time. Designate an area in your house your kids can do their work at quietly and efficiently. If your child is younger, they may need that space to be near a parent so they can get help if needed. A space at the dining room table may be the perfect spot for your young child. Older children may prefer a space that’s more secluded. If you have an extra room or office area, you can set up a desk area with the necessary supplies they need from pens and paper to rulers and glue sticks. Designating a space for studying is a great way to get your kids prepared for school.
Shop for School Supplies
This is probably the most fun part of back to school preparation, at least for your kids. Shopping for school supplies and new clothes is like Christmas in the middle of the year for them. They absolutely love it. It’s also great opportunity to get your kids in the back to school mentality while giving them the chance to express themselves. Spending time with your kids before they go back to school is important too. Shopping for school supplies will allow you to spend time with your kids and you can also have those important back to school conversations about behavior and academic expectations for the upcoming year.
Get Organized
The more organized you are going into the school year the better off you’ll be. The beginning of the school year is always filled with paperwork, calendars, permission slips and all kinds of other information. Create a space where your kids can leave important information for you. You can also create a calendar of the year’s events so you and your kids can stay up to date on school activities. If you want to be really ambitious, figure out your after school plan. Let the kids know where you’ll be picking them up or what after school programs they’re going to be involved in so they start to get a picture of what their school year is going to look like.
Find a Home in a Great School District
Orange County is one of the most desirable places to live in all of Southern California. Part of the reason for that is the exceptional schools and educational institutions throughout the area. Rosemary Hieber can help you find a home that is in a fantastic school district. With more than 20 years helping clients throughout Orange County find homes that satisfy their desire for educational excellence, Rosemary can help you find a home in a great school district. Contact her today to find the right home for you, your family and your children.