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Step 1
Bedtime - The bedtime routine seems to be the hardest transition for most families. Our children get used to sitting up late and sleeping in during Summer vacation and they put up quite a fight those first few mornings of school. Get a head start by implementing their normal school bedtime and wake up a few weeks before classes start. That way they don't put up much of a fight when the time comes for them to have to get up for school for real.
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Step 2
Meal time - Our children get used to lots of snacking during Summer break as well. Mine seems to stay in the kitchen! Get them used to the meal times at school by implementing the same schedule at home a few weeks before. After a few months of a different eating schedule children can get cranky at school when they aren't able to eat when their used to. This is also a great time to talk to them about making healthy meal choices while at school.
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Step 3
Homework - We hated it and our little ones are no different. First of the year homework can be a pain because they haven't been actively using the knowledge they have from previous school years. Give them a jump start by going over the basics the last week or so of break. Math, reading and writing are vital refreshers that will help them bring in the new school year with a bang.
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Step 4
Organization - Lastly, get a head start on organization by getting their rooms cleaned and a system put in place for bath times, picking out clothes, homework times, lunch packing and bedtimes so things aren't going crazy once school has begun.
