Author: bdowdy

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School Halloween Parties: Easy Ideas for Busy Parents

Knife-wielding slashers and bloody limbs might be fine for an adult-themed Halloween party, but you’ll want to prioritize fun over scary for kids. Here are a few easy ideas for busy parents that promise to have all the ghouls of your kid’s school howling for more. 

 

Treats You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

 

Food is the highlight of any Halloween party, and the key to knocking it out of the graveyard is to offer treats that balance flavor with fun visual appeal. Sugar is always going to be a hit, but keep in mind kids tend to overload on sugar during the month of October with parties, festivals, and trunk-or-treat events. So be sure to mix in a few less-than-sugary healthy treats as well. 

 

Monster mouth: Slice up some green apples and put a spoonful of peanut butter between two apple slices. Place sunflower seeds or yogurt raisins in the peanut butter to create a healthier alternative to caramel apples.

 

Puffed rice pumpkins: Mix up a batch of marshmallow rice Krispy treats, but add a dash of orange food coloring. Form the mix into balls and finish each one off with a pretzel stem on top. 

Ghost cheese sticks – Break out the black Sharpie marker and draw a ghost face on the wrapper of each cheese stick. Halloween treats really don’t get any easier than this. 

 

Witch finger cookies: Buy some slice ‘n bake sugar cookie mix and add a few drops of green food coloring. Roll the dough into finger shapes and place an almond where the fingernail would be. After baking, put a dab of strawberry jelly on the almond to create a bloody fingernail. 

 

Spooktacular Decorations

 

It doesn’t take a lot to transform your child’s school classroom into a beautiful party space. You might not have much time to set up, so the key here is going to be decorations that are easy to put up and tear down. (Save the elaborate stuff for the neighborhood haunted house contest). 

 

Door decor: A few construction paper ghosts or skulls on the classroom door can serve as a welcoming invitation to the fun that awaits inside. 

 

Paper Streamers: Hang some orange, black, black, and purple streamers around the classroom door to add a festive flair. 

 

Spider balloons: Blow up a few black balloons and cut out strips of black construction paper that you can tape to the balloons for legs. Finish the spiders off with some yellow paper eyes. 

 

Monsterific Games

 

If there’s one thing kids love more than Halloween treats, it’s the games. These party games promise to be a graveyard smash!

 

Mummy race: Divide the class up into groups of two or three and designate one child as the mummy. Give each group a roll of toilet paper to see who can wrap their mummy up the fastest. 

 

Pumpkin bean bag toss: You’ll probably want to opt for a plastic pumpkin to avoid a mess, but have each child take turns tossing a bean bag into the pumpkin as you gradually move it further back after every toss. 

Kyle is a wonderful community for families with plenty of things to do, especially during Halloween. If you’d like to learn more about all this city has to offer and find a home in the Crosswinds master-planned community, reach out to us today.

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Optimize Your Closet to Switch to Your Fall Wardrobe

As great as summer is with the long days spent on the water, just about everyone in Texas needs some relief from the heat by the time fall rolls around. Cooler weather brings its own host of outdoor activities, and with the occasional chilly night, a wardrobe swap is needed. 

 

Even if you have a massive closet that is big enough to hold every piece of clothing you own, it’s still a good idea to do a little bit of autumn closet organization. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you pack away those tank tops and cutoff shorts and swap in the scarves and flannels. 

 

Gradually Transition

 

As every Texan knows, there are still plenty of warm days in the fall. Because winters here tend to be on the milder side, it makes the most sense to gradually swap your clothing over from summer to fall. 

 

Start by pulling out any summer clothes you know you won’t be wearing until next year, and bring in those fall clothes that are on the lighter side. Any summer or fall clothes you’re ready to part with should go in a donation or trash pile. Those summer pieces you do want to keep should be washed and put away in storage. 

 

Make the Most of Storage Space

 

If you have a hefty wardrobe to put away, then you’ll want to be smart about how you maximize storage space. 

 

 Keep these tips in mind for making sure everything stays organized. 

 

  • Vacuum seal clothes in storage bags to take up less space.
  • Roll up jeans or t-shirts rather than folding them to maximize space.
  • Opt for flat storage bins that can slide under your bed (be sure to label them).
  • Keep dresses or fancier clothing items on slim hangers or in a storage bag.

 

Implement Some Organization Strategy

 

Fall and winter clothes tend to be a bit bulkier and take up more space than a summer wardrobe, so putting certain pieces in the right spot can make all the difference. You don’t want to hang sweaters or more delicate knits on a hanger, as this might stretch them out, so be sure to reserve the appropriate amount of drawer or shelf space. 

 

You may also want to consider organizing your fall pieces into categories, either by color or by the kind of weather they’re best suited for—lighter shirts in the front of your closet and thicker flannels or jackets in the back. Heavy blankets or pieces that you wear only on the chilliest of nights should be kept at the top of your closet. 

 

If space is an issue and you have to keep your summer and fall wardrobe in the same closet, make it easier on yourself and move the summer stuff to the front for easier access. 

Many of the homes located within the Crosswinds community have walk-in closets and two-car garages for plenty of storage space. To learn more about the available inventory of homes, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Education Lifestyle Tips

Simple Savings

Saving money can often feel like an uphill climb. Car and home repairs unexpectedly pop up, and before long, that well-intentioned savings plan takes a back seat. 

 

A simple savings strategy doesn’t have to be complicated; it just takes some careful planning and foresight for when life does inevitably throw a few curveballs your way. 

 

Make a budget – If you don’t have a budget, now is the time to start one. Track everything (we mean everything) that you spend over the course of the month. At the end of the month, take a hard look at areas you might be able to cut back to allocate more money for savings. 

 

Cook at Home – If you want to get serious about saving, then learn to cook at home. A 2022 survey found that the average American household spent almost $200 monthly eating out. Scale that back by 75%, and you could save $1,800 over the course of a year. 

 

Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions – Another great way to save some money each month is by canceling unnecessary subscriptions. Between streaming services, gym memberships, and other subscription services, the average monthly spending for American households is $219. Scale back and start saving!

 

Make Saving Automatic – If you’re ready to put savings into action, consider contacting your bank to set up automatic savings. You can instantly have a percentage of your income put into a savings account with each direct deposit of your paycheck. 

 

DIY Repairs – We live in a pretty incredible era where just about anything can be learned via the magic of YouTube. While some repairs really are better left to a professional, learning how to replace a burned-out taillight in your car or add a new backsplash to your kitchen can translate to serious savings. 

 

Reduce Energy Costs – Utilities aren’t getting any cheaper, so learning to reduce your energy consumption can help keep bills down. From fixing leaky windows to taking shorter showers or replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, there are lots of ways to reduce energy costs and keep a little more cash in your pocket. 

 

Use Coupons – Everyone likes saving money, and major retailers are constantly throwing coupons at new and existing customers. If you’re thinking about making a purchase with a particular brand, consider signing up for their email ahead of time to see if they offer a discount coupon. There are also cash-back apps like Ibotta and Rakuten that can help you save on purchases. 

 

Scale Back on Entertainment – You probably don’t need to cut your entertainment spending back to zero, but weekends out can really add up quickly. Look for things you can do around town for free that will help you save money that otherwise might have gone towards more expensive entertainment. 

 

Pay Off Debt – Paying down debt is the best way to allocate more money for savings. When paired with a detailed budget, this is a money-saving combo that can’t be beat! The popular debt snowball method involves paying your smallest debts first and using that momentum to tackle more significant debts. 

 

In a relatively short matter of time, some simple savings tips can translate into much bigger savings wins. 

If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Lifestyle Tips

Mindfulness + Relaxation

Stress isn’t always a bad thing, but too much stress can hurt a person’s well-being, and according to the American Psychological Association, we’re more stressed than ever. Here are a few things you can do to help with relaxation and mindfulness. 

 

Pick Up a Pen – Journaling is one of the oldest known ways to cope with life’s ups and downs. People have been picking up a pen to jot down their setbacks, frustrations, and triumphs for centuries, and it’s been shown to help with everything from managing depression to identifying negative behaviors and emotional triggers. 

 

Change Your Diet -. Not only is eating because you’re stressed harmful, but eating too many of the wrong kinds of food can take its toll on the body and mind. 

 

Too much alcohol, caffeine, sugar, or processed foods can put a strain on the body. However, foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins found in fruits, veggies, and nuts can help the body better manage daily stress. 

 

Make Some R&R Time – Most of us are busier than ever, but it’s still incredibly important that we make time for ourselves and social time to spend with others. This could be hitting up the batting cages, putting on some headphones and listening to your favorite music, or catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee. 

 

Try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for yourself on a regular basis. 

 

Meditation – People have been using meditation to boost their mental health for thousands of years. In practice, meditation is paying attention to your breath as it goes in and out and taking notice when the mind wanders from this task. It’s been shown to not only help with lowering stress but improving focus as well. 

 

Start off slow, finding a quiet place and meditating for a couple of minutes at a time. 

 

Try a New Hobby – Picking up a new hobby is a great way to not only improve your focus and give your brain a workout but ward off stress as well. While some hobbies are going to be more relaxing than others (putting together a jigsaw puzzle vs. CrossFit), there’s an endless array to choose from. 

 

Volunteer – Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community but has a benefit to the volunteer as well. According to Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, “[Volunteering] has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life.”

 

From animal shelters to serving the needy, there are plenty of opportunities in Kyle to volunteer your time. 

 

Get More Exercise and Sleep – Two of the best ways to give your mental health a boost are exercise and a good night’s sleep. How much sleep a person needs can vary, but most people tend to need 6 to 9 hours. 

 

Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, taking a dance class, or simply going for a stroll on a walking trail, regular exercise helps to reduce stress and increases mood-boosting dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. 

From the pool to the extensive trail system, the Crosswinds community has an array of amenities designed to help residents relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Contact our team to learn more about finding a home here.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Lifestyle

Daytrip to New Braunfels

If you’re looking for a day trip that promises plenty to do and is no more than half an hour’s drive, set your sights on New Braunfels. Jump on the I-35 and head south to discover natural wonders, mammoth water slides, and world-class cuisine. 

 

Float the River – If your idea of a perfect summer day involves letting your cares drift away as you float down a river, then be sure to check out Rockin R River Rides. The outfitter offers tube and kayak trips on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Tubs and kayaks are provided, as well as drop off and pick up after your float is done. There’s even a bar and food truck on-site for post-float refreshments. 

 

Cool Off on a Wild Slide – If floating down the river is a little too tame or you simply prefer a man-made lazy river float, be sure to check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It’s the largest waterpark in Texas and boasts 51 attractions, from relaxing wave pools to heart-pumping near-gravity-defying slides. Day passes start at just $49, and should you need repeat rides on Dragon’s Revenge, season passes are available.

 

Hit Up Downtown – With its many unique shops, quaint cafes, and inventive restaurants, Downtown New Braunfels is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Stop by stores such as Dancing Pony Boutique, Got Toys?, or Arlan’s Market for unique gifts and locally made crafts. After a bit of shopping, pull up a chair at Myron’s Steakhouse, Union Street Station, or one Downtown New Braunfels, among many other restaurants. 

 

Rock Out – A visit to Austin or San Antonio isn’t necessary to catch a great concert. Since 2007, the Whitewater Amphitheater has been welcoming music’s biggest legends and rising new stars. With a capacity of 5,600, the amphitheater has seen everyone from ZZ Top to Eric Church and Midland take the stage. 

 

Mellow Out – Sometimes, a day trip calls not for excitement but sheer bliss and relaxation. If that’s what you’re seeking with a visit to New Braunfels, be sure to book an appointment at Retreat Day Spa. For over 30 years, the spa has been offering facial, body, hair, and nail treatments, all in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. 

 

Grab a Drink – There are plenty of breweries and wineries to check out in the Texas Hill Country, and New Braunfels is home to two standouts. Five Stones Brewery offers a range of brews in addition to coffee and food options, as well as special events on select weekends. Be sure to stop by Dry Comal Creek Vineyards as well to sample wines in the tasting room or pick up a bottle to bring home with you. 

 

Explore a Natural Wonder – Natural Bridge Caverns is a New Braunfels highlight that is not to be missed! A tour of the caverns is the ideal way to escape the Texas heat, as the temperature inside the cave is 70 degrees year-round. In addition to cave tours, kids can mine for gems and fossils or scale the Twisted Trails ropes course. There are also special events, such as yoga and concerts, that take place inside the caverns. 

With close proximity to New Braunfels, Austin, and San Antonio, Kyle is central to much of the Texas Hill Country. If you’d like to find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Outdoor Fun in Kyle

From nature trails to geocaching tours and even polo matches, Kyle has plenty of ways to have some outdoor fun. 

 

Lake Kyle – The closest beach to Kyle (and by “beach,” we mean the kind with salt water) is Lighthouse Beach, near Port Lavaca, some 137 miles away. That’s not terrible, but it’s a bit far for an afternoon outing. However, plenty of fun by the water can be had locally on Lake Kyle’s 

shores. 

 

The lake is open from sunrise to sunset for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. This city park has plenty to do, including trails along the water, a playground, a boat ramp, and a pier for catch-and-release fishing. 

 

Steeplechase Dog Park – If you’re a dog owner, there’s a good chance that your puppy is itching to come along with you every time you leave the house. Obviously, that’s not always possible, but when a car ride is doable, there’s no better destination than the dog park at Steeplechase. 

 

The dog park was opened in 2018 and was instantly a hit with Kyle’s four-legged residents. The park includes separate areas for both small and large dogs and a watering station for pups to get a little refreshment. In addition to having plenty of space for dogs to run, there are also volleyball, soccer, and baseball fields for their humans to enjoy. 

 

Waterleaf Park – Located on the eastern side of the city is Waterleaf Park. The local park covers 92 acres, though only around 20 of those acres are currently developed. 

 

Among the park’s developed areas for guests to enjoy are a playscape, ball fields, and a trailhead that runs through the park. 

 

Plum Creek Trail – Lake Kyle, Steeplechase, and Waterleaf share a common thread, as all of these parks are connected by one excellent trail. Named after the creek it runs alongside it, the Plum Creek Trail is currently 7 miles of walkable and bikeable trail that, when finished, will stretch from the eastern part of Kyle to the western section of the city.

 

When finished, the trail will be over 15 miles long, but in the meantime, the popular walkway connects the city to nature in a way that everyone can enjoy. 

 

Geocaching tour – Geocaching is one of the coolest ways to explore a city and involves using your phone or tablet to follow GPS coordinates to track down a geocache container. It’s sorta like a modern version of a treasure hunt, and the Kyle Chamber of Commerce has a geocaching passport where participants can find prizes all over the city.

 

Country Line Polo Club – If you’re looking for some outdoor fun a bit off the beaten path, Kyle’s Country Line Polo Club could be right up your alley. Polo is traditionally associated with British royals but has found its way to Texas, and games happen every Friday night!

 

Watching a match is a lot of fun for adults and kids of all ages, and if your little ones are interested in learning to ride, there are instructors available. 

These are just a few of the incredible ways to enjoy some outdoor fun in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful city and find a home here, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Making Healthy Foods Fun for Kids

A steaming plate of broccoli can make many kids turn up their noses. It doesn’t matter how much you tell them it’s healthy and it will help them grow up big and strong; some kids would rather starve than try so much as a nibble. 

 

If you’re scrambling to figure out how to get your picky eater to embrace healthy foods, here are a few tips. 

 

Add Visual Appeal 

 

Kids are visual eaters just like adults, and if a new food looks unappetizing, trying it could be an uphill battle. A great way of adding a dose of fun to mealtime is with cookie cutters. Use cookie cutters to transform fruits, veggies, meats, or sandwiches into fun shapes. 

 

You can even combine different foods with cookie cutters to create funny faces. Kids will get a kick out of the “new” foods and may just be more open to trying them. 

 

Incentivize 

 

A little incentive can go a long way toward motivating people; the same goes for kids. Rewarding children with dessert for eating their vegetables can make it feel like you’re canceling out nutrition, so consider alternatives. Maybe your child gets points for every new food they finish at mealtime that can be cashed in for things like 30 minutes of bumped-up bedtime or a trip to the zoo or waterpark. 

 

Roll’em Up

 

It’s a universal truth that kids love food that’s rolled up. Something about rolled food just tastes better to kids, and putting this into action can be a great way of getting more healthy foods on your child’s plate. 

 

Use foods like a cheese slice, tortilla, or seaweed wrap as the vehicle for other healthy foods such as fruits, veggies, or meats. 

 

Embrace the Smoothie

 

Being a good parent is about doing what’s best for your children – even if, at times, it requires being a bit sneaky. Busting out the blender and making a fruity yogurt smoothie while slipping in some green veggies like spinach or kale is an excellent way of incorporating healthy foods into your child’s diet. 

 

If your child raises an eyebrow at the green color of their regular bright red strawberry smoothie, just tell them it’s Hulk juice. You won’t technically be lying, as leafy greens can help promote the growth of strong muscles. 

 

Get Your Kids Involved 

 

Children are often more enthusiastic about trying something if they get to have a hand in the process. Bringing your child into the kitchen to help prepare lunch or dinner gives them a sense of empowerment. Younger children may like stirring or adding ingredients, while older kids may be up for the task of chopping fruits and veggies. A hands-on approach can have a big impact on helping kids to be a bit more open-minded when it comes to eating new foods. 

 

If the first method isn’t a surefire success, try a combination of these tips and, above all else, be patient and stick with it. Before you know it, your kids may just be suggesting healthy recipes of their own to try out in the kitchen. 

 

Crosswinds residents love preparing meals in the modern and stylish kitchens of the homes in this master-planned community. To learn more about available homes, contact us today. 

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Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Hosting a Book Club

Hosting a book club is a major life endeavor. Probably second only to having children or buying a house. Just kidding! While hosting a book club does take a little planning, with surface-level know-how, you can bring together your bookworm buddies for some fun camaraderie and discussion. 

 

Know Your Club’s Purpose

A book club’s purpose might seem self-explanatory, but there’s a little more to it than simply discussing a book. Is the goal to catch up with coworkers, meet new friends, learn something new, or a combination of all the above? The most successful book clubs are those where expectations are set early on. 

 

Have a Mix of Genres

There’s nothing wrong with having a book club dedicated to only reading non-fiction military history or period piece romance, but it’s a good idea to set this precedent early on if that’s the case. Otherwise, you’ll want to mix in different genres and authors to keep things interesting!

 

When choosing the books, consider not only the genre, but the book-length, price, and reading difficulty. Opting for a few selections from the “best of” lists is a trusted process. You’ll also want to rotate who chooses the books so each member has input.

 

Snacks

Your book-loving buddies will enjoy some light snacks while discussing the book, so be sure to offer some small bites. Cheese and crackers, chips, maybe some mini sandwiches – nothing too messy. 

 

Depending on the book you’re reading, you may even want to offer snacks that play into the theme. For example, if you’re reading Under The Tuscan Sun, bruschetta or an antipasto platter would be an ideal pairing.  

 

Group Size

Finding the right mix of members can be tricky for a book club. It’s probably not a good idea to have an ongoing open-door policy as this could easily lead to the book club swelling in size and chaotic discussion. Look for people who have an open mind, and you think the other members will enjoy being around. 

 

As for determining the group’s size, there’s no magic number, but generally, 3 to 10 people is manageable enough for thoughtful discussion. 

 

Structure the Discussion

Structuring the discussion so that everyone gets a voice can be a challenge. One or two conversation hogs could make less extroverted members feel squeezed out of the discussion. 

To help avoid this, you should lay out a discussion guide ahead of time where each member offers their opinion on a particular chapter or scenario in the book. Another idea is to have a moderator (typically the host of the affair) carve out time for more deep-dive questions or roundtable opinions on a subject or character. 

 

Offer everyone a chance to be heard — pretty soon, your book club will have a natural flow of discussion that each member can partake in. 

 

If you’re looking for ideas on some great books to add to your book club rotation, the Kyle public library should be a go-to destination. It’s one of the many places that make Kyle such a wonderful place to call home. 

Want to learn more about Kyle and finding a home in the Crosswinds community? Contact our team today.

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Blog Lifestyle Tips

Stay Active When Working From Home

While it’s true that people are starting to return to the office, more workers are still punching the clock from home than ever before. Naturally, this means lots of desk time, and if there’s one thing all health professionals can agree on, it’s the importance of moving your body. 

 

Sitting for long, uninterrupted periods of time can lead to cardiovascular problems, but just 30 minutes of daily exercise can offset all that sitting. Here are some ways to stay active when working at home. 

 

Make Exercise a Priority

 

First and foremost, make moving around a priority. It’s recommended that you get up and move for at least 5 to 10 minutes every hour, but you should also work actual exercise into your daily routine. 

 

This could be something as simple as jumping a little rope on your lunch break or hitting up a yoga class before or after work. Many employers also offer incentives and discounts on gym memberships for employees. 

 

If you find that you can’t commit to a gym or yoga class, consider setting a reminder on your phone to work in 10-minute exercise segments throughout your day. The important thing is that you actively make an effort to squeeze exercise into your schedule. 

 

Limber Up

 

In 2022, researchers noted a rise in chronic back pain that was linked to working from home. You don’t need a medical degree to see the correlation. Thankfully, there is something you can do to avoid putting yourself at risk – stretch.  

 

Consider trying these stretches to keep your back feeling limber:

 

Child’s pose: While on your hands and knees, lean back, resting your hips on your heels. Then extend your arms in front of you to rest your belly on your thighs. Hold for one minute. 

 

Seated spinal twist:

  1. Sit on the floor, keeping both legs out front.
  2. Bend your right knee, placing your foot outside your left thigh.
  3. Place your right arm on the outside of your left knee and your left hand behind you on the ground.
  4. Gently twist your spine to the right.
  5. Hold one minute. 

 

Take a Walk 

 

If the gym or yoga isn’t your thing, then lace up those shoes and step outside for a walk. Walking has numerous health benefits, such as easing joint pain, improving the immune system, and burning calories. 

 

The trail system at Crosswinds and local parks such as Lake Kyle and Steeplechase are all great places for getting out and stretching your legs with a walk. 

 

Sit and Stand

 

As we touched on earlier, too much sitting isn’t good for your health. To help offset this, you may want to consider adding a standing desk to your home office. A standing desk gives you the option of sitting when you want to sit and easily elevates its height when you want to stand. 

 

By alternating your desk time between sitting and standing, you’ll help to offset some of the potential health risks of sitting for too long. 

From the walking trail system to the pool and sports court, there are plenty of ways within the Crosswinds community to get in some daily exercise. If you’d like to find your next home here, contact us today.

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Blog Education Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Tips to Prepare for School Starting

While the temperatures outside are still blazing hot, there’s no denying that summer vacation is winding down. Because it’s important that both kids and parents start the school year off on the right foot, here are a few tips to put into action before that first school bell of the year rings. 

 

Shop Smart

 

If your children’s school hasn’t already sent out a reminder that the new school year is approaching, then advertisements for back-to-school sales should be a tip-off. 

 

A 2022 survey found that families were estimated to spend around $864 on average on back-to-school supplies. All those new school uniforms, backpacks, and pencils (kids still use those, right?) can really add up, so it’s important to shop smart. 

 

  • Take advantage of discounts. Some clothing stores offer student discounts, and others will offer coupon codes if you sign up for their email list.
  • Look for refurbished or used items when it comes to electronics, sports equipment, or textbooks.
  • Take advantage of Texas’ sales tax holiday (Aug 11 -13)
  • Shop early to have the most options.

 

Readjust Schedules for School

 

While one of the perks of summer for many parents and kids is sleeping in, that pretty much comes to a screeching halt once the school year starts. Getting back on schedule might take a little getting used to, so it’s best to start a week in advance. 

 

  • Move bedtimes up by 15 to 30 minutes each day until kids are back at their school bedtime.
  • Scale back screen time and replace it with a book before bed.
  • Ease into a routine with mealtimes that work with school schedules.

 

Set Learning Goals

 

Back-to-school is a natural opportunity for your child to set goals for the new school year. This can help students succeed in school and also help them develop the critical life skill of goal-setting. 

 

To help set goals for the upcoming school year, parents and children should sit down and talk about any struggles from the previous year that may need more attention. It’s important that kids don’t feel like only their weaknesses are being focused on, however, and parents should also ask them about their favorite subject and any new skills related to it they’re excited about learning. 

 

Schedule Annual Doctor’s Appointments

 

The schedules at doctors’ offices can fill up incredibly quickly this time of year, so the sooner you can get an appointment on the books for your child, the better. 

 

During this annual visit, pediatricians will do hearing and vision checkups and administer any school-required immunizations. And if your child will be playing sports, it’s a good idea to check with your school regarding any required participation exam and bring up any concerns with your doctor at the appointment. 

 

While the start of a new school year can come with a little bit of anxiety for both students and parents, a little bit of prep work ahead of time can help to smooth the transition for everyone. 

To learn more about the Hays Consolidated Independent School District that serves families in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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