Back to Freedom (We mean Back to School)!

Summer break is the best time of year for kids! It's the time to relax, have fun and get ready for the next year. Although, each summer, it feels like the break goes by faster and faster. Before you know it, it's time to get your mind back into work mode. This is easier said than done though. Here are some things you can do to make the transition more smooth!

Ease Into Routine

Switching from a summer schedule to a school schedule can be one of the hardest changeovers, especially for a child. This means waking up earlier and having a morning routine in place. To make this process less dreadful, have them ease into it. Have them start to wake up earlier, even if it's just by 10 minutes each day. Also, practice a morning routine that they can eventually get used to doing on their own and in a timely manner. Steph Fairchild, our Listings Manager, likes to get her son into a routine by having him go to bed 15 minutes earlier the whole week before school starts. This way after a week of practice, he will wake up feeling refreshed and ready!

Get Prepared

Going into anything prepared is a good feeling. To help your child get excited for the first day of school, see if they have a class supply list. If they do, you can go shopping together to get the things they will need for school. Having these things will help them to feel prepared and ready to go! Becky Venuti, our Director of Team Operations, likes to prepare her children for school by doing the traditional back-to-school shopping where they get to pick out some clothing essentials and of course, new sneakers! What kid doesn't love that? She also gets them the supplies they need through B.E.S.T., an awesome program Bedford Elementary School's provides. She is able to order all school supplies for that grade and they will be delivered to the classroom which makes life so easy!

Know the School

Going into a new environment can be intimidating for anyone, especially a kid. If it is possible, take your child in for a tour of the school and their classroom. This way they can familiarize themselves with their new home away from home for the next year. They also get to see places like the library and playground, where they will most likely spend a lot of their time. Suzanne loved taking advantage of all the kindergarten prep events like the Popsicle Party, the kindergarten play date, and the bus practice run. What a great way to introduce your children to some of their new classmates!  Does your community do something like this?