Tips for Getting Back into a Routine

Are your kids struggling with getting back into the swing of things now that summer is ending and fall activities are beginning? Are you struggling?

Summer is a time of fun and no schedules but by late August/early September many of us are longing to return to a schedule.    It is time to gear up for the school year and the busy days and nights of extracurriculars, homework and shorter days.

Here are some tips on how to get back into the swing of things:

Earlier Bedtimes–If your kids are like mine they have been going to bed later and later throughout the summer. It is hard to get kids into bed, much less asleep when it is still light out.  As the days get shorter it gets easier to get the kids to sleep but now is the time to start moving bedtime back and you can do this by having your kids go to bed 15 minutes earlier every couple of days and back up their bedtime over the course of a week or so.

Getting up earlier–as you start to move bedtime back you can also start to wake the kids up earlier, rather than just allowing them to wake up when they are ready.  Do this gradually as well, no need to shock them.  Start by doing it in 15 minute increments, just like at bedtime, and in no time at all you will be ready.

Plan your meals ahead of time–Make sure to print out the NEPA MOM Meal Planning Sheet and plan your breakfast,lunch and dinners in advance.  This makes both your days and nights go much smoother and makes your evenings much less stressful. Have you tried making your meals ahead of time and freeze them?  Not sure where to start?

Check out the cookbooks Don’t Panic – Dinner’s in the Freezer: Great-Tasting Meals You Can Make Ahead or Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites: More Great Recipes That Save You Time and Money from the Inventors of the Ultimate Do-Ahead Dinnertime Method for some suggestions.

Finally, post your family calendar in an area where all members of your family can see it.  That way you are all on the same page and know what the plan is for each day. This will help you and your kids be prepared.

And remember, with a plan your life goes easier but life doesn’t always go according to plan.  Try and go with the flow when life throws you a curveball and in no time at all you will be back on track.