Flipping the calendar to August is a typical sign that the new school year is around the corner.  Kids who are enjoying the summer may not be in a hurry to return to school routines.  However, doing so is important to ensure a happy and successful experience in school.  These routines involve many components, and it’s important to consider each one so that days run smoothly once the academic year begins. 

Ed Lacheta is the Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services’ mental health division.  He provides nine tips for families to follow to best prepare kids for the first bell.  One tip is simply to re-establish daily routines and to begin the transition well before the first day.  He adds that kids appreciate routines more than they may admit. 

Lacheta’s second tip is to ensure a healthy breakfast is part of the morning routine.  This can be easily missed with the rush to head out. 

With many devices and other happenings at home, it’s critical that kids have a distraction-free space to do their homework.  Families may consider preparing that area ahead of the first day.

Lacheta also urges families to make time as a family.  One easy way is to eat dinner together at the table with no electronics, including the television.  As part of family time, he also recommends creating a space for kids to share what happened throughout the day that made them happy, sad, or nervous. 

As for the other five tips, they are as follows: 

• Buy school supplies early to avoid the rush right before the school year begins. 
• Ensure kids’ physicals are completed well in advance.
• Establish communication early with teachers, and maintain this throughout the school year. 
• Ensure kids have a healthy lunch with them at school.
• Plan outfits the night before the next school day.

More information on Shelby County Community Services is on their Facebook page. 

Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.