The school year is completed!! Cupcake just finished 1st grade, Cake Pre K and our Cakepop is enjoying some preschool as well. I wanted to repost this as we approach the new school year. Just a few suggestions that work pretty well with our young family!!!!!
We are praying for a smooth, safe, and wonderful school year! It is brings such pleasure to see my babies thrive and develop in a healthy, loving and Godly way.
The transitions have not just been for the children but for my husband and me. Our schedules are different and the kiddos are extra tired by the end of the day! The schedules during the day have changed but the nighttime routines have stayed the same. It is so nice and imperative to bring consistency to our little ones. It brings them comfort as they know what to expect at home with us. They are dealing with the changes that we cannot control right now( school, academics, etc), but one thing we can make sure stays consistent is their home environment.
Here are a few suggestions that may help the school week go smoother:
- Early bedtime. Children are exhausted. The brain needs to rest and so do they! Pick a bedtime and stick with it
- Healthy, nutritious meals. I am not a fancy cook but I encourage my babies to eat a healthy, balanced meal daily. We limit sugar and have cut back on desserts during the week. They receive lots of fruits and veggies both during lunches and dinners. Try to serve QUICK, easy, and healthy lunches and dinners.
- Little to no technology. My husband and I allow Cupcake, 5, and Cake, 3 to watch two shows out of the thousands available on television. They do not use Ipads, or phones and do not play video games(no gaming systems are in our home). This is our personal preference. We were more flexible with watching the show during the summer but now with school and trying to get into a groove it is not allowed during the week. My husband and I have replaced that time with an afternoon walk or we will let them go out front and walk or do a quick run. They enjoy this right before their bedtime routine.
- Talk about any and all changes. If you know that there will be a change communicate with your children. We have found that if they know and we talk about it beforehand, the outcome is much better.
- Give lots of snuggles and kisses after school. We cuddle and talk about our day every day. Listen to your children and ask questions about their day. Share how your day went too. It is great to do this at dinner or even during bath time. I love giving them a bath and just chatting since I do this one-on-one. It gives them their undivided attention.
We pray that you will have a wonderful school year! Cherish all the moments that God gives you. Tore
