Ahhhh, back to school.  It’s that magical time of year when fall is right around the corner.  Gone are the lazy days of summer spent by the pool.  Carefree walks on the beach are now a distant memory. Pumpkin spice lattes return to the menu at Starbucks, and kids everywhere sharpen their pencils and await word on who will be their teacher for the next school year.   Not quite ready for the first day of school?  Here are some ideas for getting everyone in your house prepared for the big, yellow school bus to arrive next week:  

1. Make it fun. That’s right…don’t let the kids get too down in the mouth.  Grab that school supply list and make it a fun shopping trip.  Let the kids pick their favorite markers and folders (many now have characters and movie themes on them).  And did we mention that Trapper Keepers are coming back?  You heard it here first.
2. Talk to the teacher. Once your child has received his/her teacher assignment, carve out a time to visit the teacher and see her classroom.  Having a visual for where they are going to spend the next school year will help ease anxiety.
3. Find a friend. Find out who else is in the class.  If possible, set up a playdate to get to know others in the class before the first day; that will guarantee a friendly face on the first day of school.
4. Get everyone back on a schedule. You knew this one was coming, and here it is: it’s time to start going to bed earlier.  And for those teenagers sleeping until noon, start prying them out of bed earlier to get them back on track.
5. Enlist some help. Kids love a project.  Ask them to help design and set-up a study area in the home.  Stock it with homework and project supplies.  Let the kids “decorate” the space so it’s their go-to spot for homework.
6. Kitchen Aid. Got a kid who loves to cook?  Have them prepare lunch menus and shopping lists and take them grocery shopping.  Put them in charge of school lunches, or at least planning them.
7. Bus Stop Fairy. For the little ones, add a dash of magic and decorate their bus stop with some fun messages written in sidewalk chalk.  Well wishes from the “Bus Stop Fairy” will delight excited young minds on the first day of school.

  And don’t forget the note in the lunchbox!  That’s an oldie but a goody.  Everyone at Main Street Homes sends best wishes for a fantastic 2016-2017 school year!