As late summer transitions into fall, experts advise getting a jump on your back-to-school routine as early as possible to alleviate the stress of a sudden and abrupt change in schedule.
With kids, especially young children, this is even more important. And for parents, a bit of advance planning can make all the difference in those first weeks back to school.
Four key ways to get a headstart on your fall planning are:
• Get plenty of sleep – Unscheduled summer days seem like such a luxury, but they can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns when it’s time to get back to your usual routine.
• Get into a healthy routine – As the weather gets cooler it’s tempting to want to cocoon and endulge in comfort foods. Keep your family motivated to stay active. Keep those energy levels high by providing healthy snacks and drinks.
• Get organized – Now is the time to start going through closets and drawers to figure out what still fits and what you need to replace. Invest in under the bed boxes and wall organizers to store those soon to be out of season items until next summer.
• Maximize your back-to-school budget – One of the most stressful aspects of back-to school is the expense to outfit your rapidly growing kids each year. Most stores offer sales, so do a little shopping around online first. There is no need to go from shop to shop when the Internet is at your fingertips. Compare prices by visiting stores online to find the best deals for clothing and school supplies.
