How to transition from Summer schedule to school schedule

Do you love the lazy days of summer or are you counting down the days until school begins?  Maybe your summer is busy with vacations, camps, playdates or a move and you are just ready for the routine of the school year to begin or maybe you are soaking up each moment and dreading the end of summer. Whatever camp you are in summer is coming to an end and it is time to get ready for school to begin. One thing I have found is that planning makes a difference so here are some ideas for making the transition from summer to the start of school. Preparing in advance should help any family get ready for a smooth transition to the school year.  

1. Slowly get back to regular sleep routines. This one is a tough one for us as we like to soak up summer and love summer nights, but we have found that without a little rhythm to our sleep those first few weeks of school can be tough. Our family usually starts getting back to regular schedules at least a week before school starts. I move back sleep by 15 min for the week before so that it isn’t all at once and so hard on the kids. 
2. One thing we want to make sure we have is school supplies, right? I remember when I was little, we would all just take pencils, a notebook, and our favorite lunch box, but it is much for complicated today. With three different kids there will be three different lists and it always surprises me how specific the lists are. It can be as specific as the color of folder, style of pens and specific backpacks so to create a smooth transition we want to make sure to have the list and prepare in advance.
3. Get the backpack ready with everything needed for the first day of school. Finding the right backpack can be a big thing for my kiddos so we have learned to start early so they find what they like, and we can have it packed and ready to go. 
4. Make sure to have first day of school outfit ready. Shopping early makes it less stressful. I also always have a backup outfit so that nobody is stressed about what to wear. We shop early for new shoes and clothes so that everyone starts the year confident and excited. 
5. Meal planning and lunch planning will help with the transition back to school. Our summer meal routine can be breakfast for dinner and things seem to be loose on times and meals, but the school year requires a little bit more order to keep things running smoothly so one of the things I do in the summer is scan through cookbooks for some inspiration. I create a meal plan for the first week of school and make sure I have shopped for lunches too. 
6. Create a master schedule and have a big calendar ready with everyone’s schedule to prepare and make sure everyone gets where they are going on time. Our master planner has everyone’s schedule, and each member has a different color marker to help us stay organized. 

Getting ready in advance will make all the difference when it comes to being school ready. Thinking of the little things before they become the big things will make a smoother transition. There are so many small details to think about, but when we plan the transition should be smoother. For more detailed resources and ideas, the blogs on MilHousing Network have specifics and can offer support when needed. Finally, create lists, look at school websites for school schedules and details and prep dinner, outfits, and lunches in advance. Planning will make for a great school year for everyone!

As CEO for Inspirational Inc. and founder of “Tea With Chantel” trainings & workshops, Chantel Mathson inspires women to live with purpose and build thriving community. She has traveled all over the U.S. and Canada, speaking and inspiring others to become impact makers. Chantel has been a featured speaker at NASA Space Center, The University of Notre Dame and numerous national conferences. She is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, blogger, bible teacher, military spouse mentor, author, and professor of communications. Chantel shares her heart and home with her husband, three kids and two dogs in California. As a Military spouse she has moved twelve times and has a heart for helping military wives connect, find their purpose, and create community. Her Tea with Chantel business evolved as she moved across the country and had to create new community herself. She is always ready to share a cup of tea and would love to connect…  FB/Twitter/Linkedin/IG @teawithchantel or Instagram.com/teawithmilitarywives and teawithchantel.com

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