As summer comes to an end and back-to-school season begins, it can be hard to get back into a regular schedule — both for kids and adults.  Here are a few tips that parents can use to ease their kids back into school, while also managing their own stress. 

– Get your kids involved in programs that they can do after school to keep them active.

– Visit cultural attractions like museums to shift their brains into “Scholar” mode.

– Hire an after-school sitter to help care for your kids while you’re at work.  

– Encourage your kids to read at least one book before the school year begins.
 
– Reacquaint your kids with the calendar schedule they’ll use to manage their activities.  

– Use positive phrasing, such as “You can go outside after your homework is done,” rather than “You’re not going outside until this is finished.”  

– Make sure your kids (and you!) have an effective wake-up alarm that works for them.  

– Set an alarm or notification 30 minutes before bedtime.  

– Do something fun to diffuse this stressful time of year for all of you.

– Take a breath!