Family Life ·

3 Minutes

Getting Ready for Back to School: Tips for Setting Up Routines, To-Dos, and Calendars

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and kids alike can feel the stress of transitioning from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured routine of the school year. Establishing effective routines, managing to-dos, and organizing schedules are essential to make this transition smooth and stress-free. At Hearth Display, we understand the importance of keeping your family organized and ready for anything. Here are some tips to help your kids get ready for back to school using routines, to-dos, and calendars.

1. Establish a Back-to-School Routine

Create a Morning Routine

Mornings can be hectic, especially when everyone is trying to get out the door on time. Establish a morning routine that includes:

Wake-Up Time: Set a consistent wake-up time to help kids adjust their internal clocks.
Healthy Breakfast: Plan nutritious breakfast options to fuel their day.
School prep: Add in steps such as packing school lunches and backpacks into your morning routine to help be prepared.

Implement an After-School Routine

An after-school routine helps kids transition from school mode to home mode:

Snack Time: Offer a healthy snack to replenish their energy.
Homework Time: Designate a quiet space and time for homework.
Playtime and Relaxation: Balance homework with playtime to keep kids engaged and happy.

Set a Bedtime Routine

A good night’s sleep is crucial for school performance:

Wind-Down Time: Start winding down an hour before bedtime with activities like reading or listening to calm music.
Consistent Bedtime: Stick to a consistent bedtime to ensure kids get enough rest.

2. Manage To-Dos with Hearth

Hearth's to-dos make managing daily tasks fun and engaging.

Assign Age-Appropriate Chores: Tailor chores to your child’s age and abilities.
Streaks: Tap on the profile photo of any family member to see their routines’ weekly progress and to-do streaks all in one place.
Visual Reminders: Make it a habit to check in on daily to-dos with your family to all stay up to date and on the same page.

Integrate To-Dos into the Family Calendar

Integrate your children’s chores and to-dos into the family calendar:

Weekly Planning: Check in on your calendars for the week ahead and plan your to-dos accordingly to ensure everyone is prepared.
Accountability: Use the calendar to hold kids accountable for their responsibilities.

3. Organize Schedules with a Digital Wall Calendar

Sync All Family Schedules

A digital wall calendar can keep everyone in the family on the same page:

Multiple Calendars: Sync calendars from school, extracurricular activities, and family events.
Color-Coded Events: Use color-coding to differentiate between family members' schedules.
Real-Time Updates: Ensure everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.

Plan for the Week Ahead

Planning ahead can alleviate stress:

Weekly Family Meeting: Hold a family meeting to go over the week’s schedule.
Meal Planning: Plan meals for the week and include them in the calendar.

4. Use Technology to Stay Organized

Utilize Hearth's Companion App

Leverage technology to keep your family organized. With Hearth's companion app you can access your calendar, to-dos, and routines on the go!

Mobile Calendar Apps: Use mobile apps to access the family calendar on the go.
Sync with Google Calendar or iCloud: Sync your digital wall calendar with Google Calendar or iCloud for seamless integration.
Set Up Notifications: Set up notifications for important events and tasks.

5. Encourage Healthy Habits

Cultivate Positive Habits

Use the back-to-school season as an opportunity to instill healthy habits:

Regular Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity.
Balanced Diet: Plan balanced meals and snacks.
Screen Time Limits: Set limits on screen time to ensure a healthy balance.

Rewarding Accomplishments

Reward accomplishments to motivate your kids:

Positive Reinforcement: Use praise and rewards to acknowledge their efforts.
Tracking Progress: Track progress on chores, homework, and other tasks to show their growth.

Conclusion

Preparing for the back-to-school season doesn't have to be overwhelming. By establishing routines, managing to-dos, and organizing schedules with a digital wall calendar, you can help your kids transition smoothly into the school year. At Hearth Display, we're committed to providing tools that keep your family organized and stress-free. Start implementing these tips today and watch how they transform your family’s routine, making the back-to-school season a breeze.