January 1 is supposed to be the first of the new year here in the United States. But, for most, there is a new beginning with each new school year that begins in the late summer. It was the case when growing up, and it is the case when raising children. The demands in life are ever increasing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make this school year successful and fun! You probably know all of this stuff already, but it doesn’t hurt to remember the positive together.
1) Routine is a good thing. Back to school means returning to the back to school routine. (And, you don’t have to pay for full time child care. ????????) Busy schedules can make routine difficult, but it is essential to a successful year.The world’s most successful people accomplish more by streamlining their tasks and priorities. Routine provides stability, structure, and comfort for your children. Routines also build the framework for understanding time management, responsibility, and developing autonomy as they grow. If a child’s life is stable, and the basics of life are routine (etc: waking up, breakfast, snack, nap, bathtime, dinner), he or she will have the brain space to explore, learn, and grow comfortably and safely. How do we know? Check every “parenting expert” out there. They all say the same thing.
2) The kiddos are learning something. Tomorrow they will need a new laptop to learn their times tables, even if they are only eight years old. ???? It is amazing to see children grow. It seems like it is overnight sometimes. U.S. News and World Report consistently cites Northern Virginia public schools as the best in the nation. Be involved, encourage and love them. Watch ‘em grow! It happens so quickly! Cherish it.
3) The kiddos will be tired when they get home and sleep ????. That means you can sleep, too! Maybe? ???? It can be hard to get to bed at the same time every night, but a sleep routine is key to overall health and good sleep. Ask Harvard Med School. They say so, too. Most phones have an app where you can set reminders for when to get ready for bed, choose which days, and even track how well you are sleeping. Try it out. The morning alarm is going to ring no matter what!
4) Snacks! ???? Everyone loves snacks. And you can eat them, too! ????
5) You can buy more snacks! You can be the parent that sends the healthy snacks.???? That’s a good thing, and more rare than you might think. A little sugar is yummy ????, but sugar, sugar, sugar? Well that makes anyone a little crazy, and wondering how the pants got tight. ???? Apple slices are good, and if your child is actually hungry, they will eat it. Tip: Put a little organic, sulfite free lemon juice on some slices and they will last for a few days without browning in the fridge.
6) PTA Nights!
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Okay. This is ANOTHER thing on top of a whole lot of OTHER things you have to do. But parent/teacher associations/organizations (PTA/PTO) are there to help you and the teachers create a better environment for your children. The more involved (or not involved) you are will make an impact. Don’t feel guilty if you simply can’t do it. But, hey, it is alway good to know what is going on and what those involved are facilitating within the school.
7) Another school year is a new phase! Each year is one BIG leap to the rest of your child’s life. It flies by. There is homework, and soccer, and music lessons, but there needs to be downtime and fun time, too. In the words of many, including Zig Ziglar,
“To a child, Love is spelled T-I-M-E!”
And, of course, if you are looking for the perfect home for your family, we would love to help you find that place. Take a look at our 40,000+ listings here. Call us to find out what hasn’t been listed yet. We have been serving Washington D.C. and the greater Northern Virginia communities for generation after generation. We want to see you and your generations satisfied in a home you love, too.
