Kids Go Back To School

Kids Going Back to School: It's All About Preparation and Patience

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

Usually I'm quite happy to send the kids back to school after a school break, but I enjoyed the winter break this year quite a bit. We went to the mountains for Christmas, enjoyed playing games and sleeping in, and just generally had a good time.

But all good things must come to an end, and today they returned (blurry eyed and sleepy) to school. I find that being prepared and having patience go far in making the return uneventful and calm.

First, we make sure the kids have their backpacks out and that they are filled with all the essentials. While we aren't this organized on a day-to-day basis, I find that preparing the night before when returning after a break is essential.

Second, I wake the kids up just a bit earlier than normal. They can be cranky and it can require some patience to stand there and wait until they realize they have to head to school.

Third, we prepare the house. It might be empty for the first time in weeks during the day, so I set the Adt home security alarm before we leave the house, make sure the dog is settled at home and put a meal in the slow cooker for dinner. Making sure the home is settled before leaving ensures that we all return to a happy home at night.