Transitioning from School to Summer Fun!

The end of another school year is here, and it's been another great year! With Summer here, means it's time to change schedules, set new routines and ensure that everyone is taken care of for the summer. It's never easy and as kids get older, the routine changes constantly. Here are some of my tried and true tips that make for a relaxing summer and an even smoother transition back into the school year when summer is over.

1. Take a break from your normal schedule. Allow your children to spend a few days or a week sleeping late and doing a lot of nothing. Give them time to unwind without having to be tied to a schedule.

2. Let go of old schoolwork. There’s no reason to save the run of the mill math worksheets and spelling tests. Sort through the piles THE DAY they come home. Keep only creative writing or truly special assignments.

3. Check out new/old books you have . With limited space on your bookshelves, it’s important to purge textbooks and books your child has outgrown. The end of the school year is a great time to pare down and organize what’s on your shelves.

4. Clothes to go through. Take some time to go through your child’s closets and drawers to see what clothes still fit them from last summer and which clothes are ready for donation or the trash. This will help you plan accordingly when shopping for summer bathing suits, shorts, and tanks.

5. Sun Screen and other summer essentials. Sunblock doesn’t retain its efficacy indefinitely. Make sure that yours hasn’t outlived its useful life, and you have it stored where it will be applied daily.

6. Look into special summer activities. Ensure that your child doesn’t get shut out of the tennis or baseball clinic that fits their schedule. Sign up early for the activities your child wants to do.

7. Share carpools and other transportation. Know how your child is getting to summer camp and other summer activities.

8. Make appointments before camp starts. Plan ahead for orthodontist, dentist, and any other doctor appointments your child needs. The perfect time to fit these in is between the end of school and the beginning of camp.

Have a fun safe summer!!