How to Beat the Back to School Blues

Are the kids moaning about going back to school? Do they feel like they're losing their freedom? And, Mom, are you dreading the school supply and clothing shopping list? Do you kind of feel some empty-nest syndrome—that, you, too, are losing the kids?

Here are some ideas to help break the "back to school blues"...
Step1 --Fall will soon be in the air. Time for returning to school. It's a new beginning. But, first, let your kids play and play hard. Childhood, the once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that it is, means that you should >encourage< kids to get outside and get going. Let them get dirty. They need to get in the sandbox, run through the sprinkler, play ball with their friends and get grass stained and sweaty.
Not only will it help to work through to fatigue, but play improves their relationships and makes them feel healthy and fit.

Step2 --Think about reading all together as a family in the evenings, or schedule a reading outing. Teachers say that they spend the first four to six weeks trying to get kids back up to speed (or to re-teach important learning skills students have forgotten).
Help to break the barrier by visiting the library often, spend some time in the bookstore, or attend story-time sessions in your community. Add in writer workshops, art exhibits, and other educational visits and get them geared up for learning again.

Step3 --Let them help to prepare for school's return by getting them on the Internet to price-shop school supplies and outfits. You can have them tell you what's "in" for fall, and let them make lists about what they think they'll need. Talk about budgeting and make appointments to gear up. Get them to do some math for expenses.

Step4 --Spend some time together. Maybe you didn't get to share as much as you would have liked this summer. Plan a day trip, ride bikes or just walk around the neighborhood. Play a family board game and share popcorn and juice. Or maybe you can work on a "family" meal together: let them plan the menu, wash veggies or set the table. Perhaps if you begin family meals now, it will become an easy routine.

Step5-- Throw a small "Back-to-School" Party. Use the best of the melon still available or decorate cookies with back to school slogans and phrases. Give each child a special Crayola package and supply coloring books. Plan some easy craft ideas to get scissors, paper, and glue in their hands again. Keep it short and fun.

Step6 --Create a calendar together. Plan ahead for important fall dates. Add everyone's ideas into the mix—dad, partner, friends and yourself. Usher in Autumn with a date to make hot cider or decorate wreaths with leaves and mini pumpkins. Set aside a day to snuggle in a blanket on the porch or deck. Make up your own holidays or wish-list days.

If you've indulged the children with later-than-usual bedtimes, ease them back into more sleep. Cranky children don't do well starting school and at least eight to nine hours of sleep for growing bodies is recommended. Even high school aged students need their z's - - going through hormonal changes is taxing, regular sleep is a good idea.