It’s August and wholly moley, someone just reminded me that school is a mere two weeks away.  Insert screams of sadness from children and parents alike. Why oh why do we start in August? Some of us may be ready, others, not so much, but reality sets in and another school year is really about to begin. As your in house realtor/teacher, I hope I can offer some realistic tips and reminders for the households preparing to send someone back to school in a few short weeks. Here a some tips and encouragement to prepare you from A-Z

Applause: Celebrate something, anything, each day. They came home with the same clothes they left in? Yeah! Finished an assignment? Hooray!! Made a new friend? Yippee!

Buckle up: Summer is over. Back to routines and schedules, best to keep it simple.

Communicate with your child's teachers. Attend parent-teacher conferences; stay informed about your child's progress, and reach out to teachers if you have any concerns or questions.

Determination. If it doesn’t come easy, it is more rewarding when success is achieved - on their own. Step in and out for occasional assistance, it may not be easy for you, but do not take over.

Encourage responsibility and independence. It can be hard for us parents, but so important and helpful. Allowing them to take on small steps like packing their own lunch can help build confidence and autonomy. And, let's be honest, it gives you extra time at night and in the morning.

Find space to do school work. Set a space where you can help monitor when needed. An area that has minimal distractions is best. This could be a desk, table or floor.  Encourage the use of their own created study cards. This AI generation is frightening.

Good morning. Start it off right. A little preparation the night before can go a long way to de-stress the morning. Make the important breakfast ahead of time, egg bites, pancakes, waffles. Have lunches made and bags ready the night before.

Hugs. Give them often. Yes, I give them to students, whenever they need one. 

Invest in the supplies that are listed. No need to get extra or fun, as they can be a distraction. PLEASE stick to the list, especially in elementary school. Start them off right.

Juice pouch. Unless you want stained clothes, just say no. I could say the same for fruit cups. The cafeteria monitors will thank you. Practice opening lunch and snack items for the younger students.

Kleenex. Yes, classrooms need more than you can imagine. Maybe no one uses them in your house, but in the classroom, I am constantly asking students to go get a tissue and wash their hands. It’s a snot filled life. Send a box now and one in the winter. All teachers will thank you.

Listen. It’s different than hearing. Listen and Laugh often.

Monitor. Monitor grades online daily or weekly depending on the grade of your child for ALL grade levels.

New friends. Encourage your child to make new friends. They don't have to be their best friend, yet.

Outrageous. Testing- no one likes all of it. But sometimes we have to do things we don’t like- so model and encourage the appropriate behavior in these situations. 

Positive attitude. Model a positive attitude and enthusiasm toward learning and school. Children often reflect and model the behavior of their parents.

Questions. Ask them. A lot of them. Period.

Read. To them, with them and listen to them read. It’s a great way to bond and keep doing it through all school aged years.

Support. Set up a time to support your child daily with a check in. Make it routine.

Teamwork. Teachers, students, and parents (and many more) are a team working towards the same goal.

United in teamwork.

Volunteer as often as possible. Small things make a big difference. Copy parents are my superheroes. All it takes is one hour a week.

Ween everyone back to a morning routine and nighttime routine, including bedtimes and electronics. It's not easy but it's necessary.

X experience. Ok, ok I know, X is a stretch. But get out and experience something new as a family before school starts again.

Yearly. Yes, every school year comes in August now, not September.

Zamboni. The zamboni creates new ice. Remind children that every day is a new day and a fresh start!

Go forth and remember that no matter what you do, be there for your child and try not to overthink anything; love, support and encouragement will get you all through.  

Have a great start to the school year.