Category: Family Fun

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

2024 Family Resolutions: Together Towards Tomorrow

It can be easy to look back on the previous year and only see what you should have done. A better way of looking at it, though, is to focus on what you can build upon in the new year. With the holidays in the rearview mirror and 2024 on the horizon, here are a few resolutions your family may want to incorporate in the new year.

 

Set Goals for the New Year

 

We’ve all heard that most New Year’s resolutions fall flat by February, but that’s because of a failure to put clear goalposts to work towards. Rather than making blanket resolutions for your family, such as “spend more time together,” focus on setting goals that demand action, such as “going on a family day trip at least once a month” or “starting a family game night.”

 

Write these new goals down and place them somewhere you’ll see them. This will help to keep your family more accountable in making sure these goals happen. 

 

Prioritize Meal Plans

 

As much fun as it can be to dine out, it’s more expensive than ever. A great way to circumvent this is with meal planning. Gather your clan together and let everyone have some input in deciding what meals you’d like to eat that week. To keep things interesting, try making copycat recipes of your favorite restaurant dishes to see how they compare to the restaurant version. 

 

Another great resolution around mealtime is to prioritize eating together as a family more often. Try to aim for at least one or two family meals a week and keep a rotation of who gets to pick what’s for dinner. 

 

Get the Kids Involved

 

Getting kids to do their chores can feel like a chore in and of itself. If you have more on your plate than you want in 2023, make 2024 the year that all changes. While parents may never be able to convince children that chores are fun, there are some strategies to get the kiddos to help more often:

 

  • Set a time limit for the chores
  • Use an allowance or free activity as leverage
  • Offer chore choices
  • Be firm – let children know that refusing to help out is not an option

 

Get Organized

 

Out with the old and in with the new doesn’t just apply to the calendar year but should really apply to clutter as well. If you’d like your family to be better organized in the new year, first take stock of where those areas of improvement are needed and then take action. 

 

For example, if you want to be better organized when it comes to family scheduling, consider buying a family day planner. If a cluttered garage needs a makeover or a weekly cleaning schedule is needed, then look into new storage solutions or cleaning task assignments for each family member. 

 

Reestablish a School Routine

 

The new year marks the start of a new semester and the chance to trim any loose ends. A few points parents may want to focus on include:

 

  • Help your child identify and adapt a plan for any schoolwork areas they’re struggling in
  • Improve on or reestablish daily homework routines
  • Try a new hobby or extracurricular activity
  • Make a point to celebrate educational or extracurricular wins with your child

If you’d like to find a new home in 2024, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

Categories
Amenities Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Navigating the Neighborhood

Maybe we’re a bit biased, but we strongly believe that Kyle, specifically the Crosswinds community, is the best place to call home in the Texas Hill Country. The city offers convenience to larger metros such as Austin and San Antonio but has a vibrant character all its own. It’s big enough that there’s always something going on, yet small enough that it isn’t tangled up in the hustle and bustle of a big city.

 

If you’re new to the neighborhood, here are a few things to know for navigating your new home turf. 

 

Amenities Overview

 

The Crosswinds master-planned community was designed to offer residents not only exceptional homes but resort-style amenities that appeal to every lifestyle. 

 

Residents can soak up the sun and cool off poolside during the summer months, burn off some energy on the pickleball court, or gather for a cookout at one of the grill/picnic areas. There’s also a dog park for pet owners and an extensive trail system that residents can enjoy for biking or just a leisurely stroll. 

 

Schools

 

Children in the Crosswinds community and Kyle are zoned for Hays CISD. From elementary all the way up through high school, the schools offer an amazing curriculum of educational and extra-curricular activities ranging from sports to music and theater.

 

Located within the Hays CISD for Crosswinds families are:

  • Plfuger Elementary – student/teacher ratio 15:1
  • Chapa Middle School – student/teacher ratio 13:1
  • Lehman High School – student/teacher ratio 16:1

 

Kyle also happens to be near several community and four-year colleges and universities, including: 

  • Austin Community College (ACC) Hays Campus
  • Texas State University
  • UT at Austin
  • St. Edwards University
  • San Antonio College
  • Huston-Tillotson University

 

Access to Austin

 

A major draw for many people moving to Kyle is its close proximity to Austin. Considering that it’s just 21 miles to downtown Austin, 25 miles to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and an hour to San Antonio, Kyle is an ideal spot for those looking for the convenience of a larger city without the busyness of living in one.

 

Kyle at a Glance

 

Kyle may be one of the most popular spots to call home in Austin, but this small Texas city has a long history stretching back to the 19th century. 

 

The area was settled in 1880, but it wasn’t until 1960 that its population cracked 1,000 people. Even then, Kyle was still a pretty sleepy town until the new millennium, when its population really began to grow between 2000 and 2010. 

 

Today, Kyle enjoys a growing economy, affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and plenty of leisure and shopping options. Walking trails like the Plum Creek Trail system offer residents an ideal way to enjoy nature, and the Pie In The Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival draws thousands of people each year. 

It’s this combination of convenience, affordability, and lifestyle that makes Crosswinds such an appealing place to call home. If you’re interested in all that Crosswinds has to offer and want to learn more about moving to Kyle and our available inventory of homes, reach out to us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Tech-Free Family Time: Unplugged Activities for Quality Bonding

Technology has worked its way into nearly every facet of our lives, from careers to school and entertainment. Too much screen time, however, can lead to a disconnect among family members.

 

Thankfully, regularly unplugging to spend time together can help to strengthen family bonds. Here are a few wi-fi-free ways your family can engage in quality bonding. 

 

Family Game Night

 

Families have been bonding over board games for literally thousands of years. What board games may lack in streaming capability, they can often make up for in challenge and, in some cases, a lot of hilarity. 

 

Board games like Monopoly, Life, Clue, and Trivial Pursuit are always going to be classics, but there are dozens of other board games worth checking out. Ticket to Ride, Hues and Cues, Kids vs. Parents, and Headbanz are all popular board games worth adding to your personal collection. 

 

Give Back

 

Volunteering doesn’t just help the communities we live in; it helps us as individuals learn to be more empathetic and can benefit our mental health. And because children are constantly watching their parents, volunteering as a family sets a positive example.

 

When you take time to volunteer with your kids, you’re showing them firsthand the importance of being a good citizen and helping to mold them into a well-rounded person. From helping out at the animal shelter to sorting groceries at the food bank, there are a number of ways to give back in the Kyle area.  

 

Cook and Eat Meals Together

 

With life seemingly getting busier and busier every year, making time to eat a meal together on a regular basis can be difficult. However, doing so has major benefits in both the short and long term. For starters, it gives family members a chance to reconnect at the end of the day and just talk. In fact, “80% of teenagers say that family dinner is the time of the day they’re most likely to talk to their parents,” according to a Harvard study. 

 

Why not take things a step further? Break out a cookbook and include the entire family in preparing the meal, assigning each family member a task. Research shows that families who regularly eat dinner together are at lower risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy. 

 

Head Outside

 

We’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and there are nearly endless ways to enjoy it. 

 

Kyle has several parks within a 15-minute drive that are ideal for hiking, tossing the frisbee, or viewing wildlife. And in warmer months, setting out to explore a natural swimming hole is going to beat staying inside and playing video games hands down every time. 

 

Maybe you’re looking for something even more adventurous? Texas Trail Rides offers group horse rides, and the City of Kyle website has a bike map for families looking to keep things on two wheels rather than four legs. 

Even something as simple as taking a family walk around one of the trails within the Crosswinds community can be beneficial. To learn more about Crosswinds, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Tips for Traveling With Pets

If you plan on hitting the road for the fall holiday season – or taking to the skies – and taking your furry friend with you, planning ahead is an absolute must. 

 

Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pets. 

 

Plan a Packing List

 

Planning out a packing list before any trip isn’t just a good habit for humans, but it applies to pets as well. Set aside a separate bag for all your pet’s essentials so that everything is packed together. 

 

  • Food/water bowl
  • Lesh
  • Treats
  • Toys

 

If your pet is going to be in a crate for the majority of your trip, be sure to include their favorite blanket or even an old t-shirt that smells like you for some extra comfort.

 

Traveling Safety

 

You wouldn’t dare think of taking your children on a car trip without making sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt, and your pet should be no different. There is a range of dog seat belts and harnesses on the market to fit just about every size of pooch. These can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe and comfortable during the trip. 

 

Even when traveling with a pet carrier, you should still take precautions to keep it secure so it doesn’t slide around in the car. This can easily be done by slipping the seat belt through the handle or around the carrier itself. 

 

Prep Your Car

 

Not every pet is exactly enthusiastic about going on a trip. In fact, traveling either by car or plane can often be incredibly stressful for pets. If your pet has a tendency to get car sick or have accidents when stressed, be sure to lay down plenty of towels in your car before pulling out of the driveway. (This will also help keep pet hair off the seats.)

 

While we’re on the subject of travel prep, if you know your pet gets stressed easily, it may be worth speaking with your vet about medication that can help your pet relax on the ride. 

 

Don’t Forget Important Documents

 

When traveling with pets, applying the Boy Scout motto of “always be prepared” is never a bad idea. Be sure to bring along either paper copies or a copy on your phone of any important information regarding your pets, such as vaccinations or medication prescriptions. This will make getting your pet the proper care it needs that much easier in case of an emergency. 

 

Plan Ahead

 

It’s not only smart to plan for the pet essentials that you’ll need to bring with you, but doing some research in regard to other aspects of the trip is a good idea, too. 

 

  • Many airlines have specific travel guidelines for pets, so check before booking. 
  • Some hotels only allow certain breeds, and others are strictly no pets allowed.
  • Make a note of the closest veterinary hospital near you in case of emergency. 

Of course, one of the best parts of traveling – with or without a pet – is coming back to a home you love. Reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

Categories
Blog Education Events Family Fun Tips

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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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. 

Categories
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.

Categories
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.