If you are like our family the past few months we have been in summer mode.  Our schedules were relaxed, we stayed up a later, slept a little longer, lounge around in pajamas more than we want to admit. Now we have to get back to having set schedules and routines.  Here are some of the things I heard that will help not just the kids but the adults as well.

Your kids are not going to be happy if they can stay up to 11:00 one night and have to be in bed by 8:00 the next night.   I know I can’t do that and they probably can’t either. Begin slowly reintroducing your regular bedtime and wake-up schedules a few weeks before school starts so everyone is used to the change.

In addition to going to bed earlier, we need to adjust to getting up earlier. Start getting up a little earlier each day until you are getting up at a regular time. Also have the kids get dressed and eat breakfast when they get up, instead of playing and watching TV.

Between camps, vacations, and family times, kids may lose touch with their friends over the summer. Schedule some play dates with friends to help your child start to think about getting back to school.

Hopefully you havent stopped routines such as a family dinner or a story before bedtime but you may have let them slip a little.  Start now to get the family back in the habit of doing those things that strengthen your relationships the most before schedules get even crazier.

Ask everyone what one thing they wanted to do this summer that they didn’t get to do – and then go do it!  Just because school is starting doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.  Make enjoyable events part of your normal routine not just saved for holidays and summer.