RETURN OF THE ROUTINES

Today was the first day of school for most of the schools in southeast Florida.  For parents, today marked the beginning of the school year schedules.  We have to get back on track with our bedtime routines, leaving for work just a little bit earlier every morning and watching for those school zones.  Packing lunches, laying out the uniforms and making sure our supply lists – every teacher has one- have been purchased.  

This is a happy, sad, bittersweet and melancholy time for us all.  Whether your kids are just starting school, making that transition from elementary to middle school , middle school to high school, or leaving home for college, it’s a new start and a new opportunity to form friendships and expand horizons.

The meet and greets have already taken place, the hair has been cut, the book bags purchased, the cool shoes have broken the bank, but we think we are as ready as we can be.  

This coming week we will:

·        Pledge time to the classroom

·        Set a time for the kids to call us when they get home

·        Discuss carpools and bus schedules, crossing streets, entering an empty house, etc. 

·        Review safety measures:

o   Going over the emergency only family code word

o   Emergency money

o   No names on the outside of the clothing

o   Discuss who to contact in case of an emergency

o   Discuss who is allowed over

o   Talking to strangers

o   Always walk with a friend or two

 
In Miami, The Children's Trust (for more info dial 211) will be conducting their FREE Annual Family EXPO at the Tamiami Fairgrounds.  They will be focusing on several different programs designed especially for children with Special Needs, as well as outreach and  after school programs, and will offer parenting and nutrition classes.  

As loving and caring parents, we also want to create memories for our children.   Reading to kids has always proven to be beneficial.    I recently came across a great book:  The Dr. Suess book titled, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”   This is a book that can be read or given to anyone, at any age, and at any time of their life.  It is inspirational, easy –to-read and encouraging.  Parents are finding ways to support their children by asking their child’s teacher to write a little something to the child each year. Special friends and family can also make their contribution.  As the years go by, the child can see the encouragement, guidance and love as they grew.   It is a book that can be read to your babies and to your college grads.   A book of simple wisdom and inspiration that your children can cherish forever.

And as Dr. Suess says:  “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

Meet you at the school supply store!

^Kat