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back-to-school

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The Back-to-School Habit That I’m Prioritizing Above All Else: Sleep! (Yes, Even Before Homework)

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Every year, back-to-school sneaks up on me. Suddenly, we’re knee-deep in packing lunch, late-night cheer practices, and stinky gym clothes. And in chaos, something always gets sacrificed. Usually? Sleep. But not this year! This year, I’ve declared sleep our back-to-school priority. That means no more late-night math marathons or cheer practices that run into bedtime. We’re choosing rest—because well-rested kids (and parents) are simply better humans. How I got Here –  Prioritizing Sleep Changed Everything in Our House this Summer I’ll admit it—I used to treat summer like one big free-for-all. Bedtimes were “suggestions,” screens were everywhere, and we were always cramming in “just one more thing.” But this summer, I decided to test a theory: What if we actually slept? So we did. No more late-night chaos, no more overstimulation. Just earlier wind-downs and consistent bedtimes—for all of us. And you know what? The change was instant: Mornings got…

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In School

What to Expect From Your Kindergartener in the First Month

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You’ve done the school supply haul. You’ve labeled everything (yay!) You’ve taken the “first day of school” photo (three times because they blinked). And now… you wait. What no one really prepares you for? The emotional, behavioral, and even biological whirlwind your child is about to enter. That first month of kindergarten can feel like your once-sweet kid morphed into a mix of a gremlin, a teenager, and a baby giraffe learning to walk—all rolled into one adorable tornado of a kid. 1. Expect the After-School Meltdown They held it together all day. And now? You’re the safe zone- they unleashed the after-school restraint collapse. Your kindergartener may walk through the door and crumble: tears, attitude, dramatic declarations like, “I’m NEVER going back!” This is normal. School requires them to regulate all day—sitting still, sharing, remembering routines. When they get home, the emotional floodgates open. How to help: Don’t pepper…

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Homeschooling 2025
In School

Why Does Homeschooling Still Feel Controversial?

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Why is Homeschooling Still a Hot Topic? Back-to-school season comes with sharpened pencils, nervous energy, and, for some families, raised eyebrows. While homeschooling has been steadily growing for years, there’s still an air of “Wait, you do what now?” around it. Why does homeschooling still feel controversial? Even in 2025, when flexible learning options are more accessible than ever, homeschooling can trigger strong opinions. Some people assume it’s a lifestyle only for the ultra-crunchy. Others question whether kids will grow up lacking social skills or basic math. And let’s be honest, there are still folks who picture homeschooled kids churning butter in Little House aprons and bonnets. Spoiler: that’s not the reality for most families. Where the Stigma Comes From Let’s rewind. Historically, homeschooling was often associated with fringe ideologies, mistrust of public education, or families seeking to avoid curriculum they didn’t agree with. In other words—it got typecast. Even…

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In Parenting

“Let Them Rest” vs. “Keep Them Learning”: The Great Summer Slide Debate

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Is summertime the reset kids need—or an academic setback? Parents and teachers are divided, and it’s easy to see both sides.  What Is the Summer Slide? The summer slide—also known as summer learning loss—is the decline in academic skills that can happen when kids take an extended break from structured learning over the summer months. For many students in the early elementary grades, this slide can mean starting the new school year already behind where they left off. Studies show that students can lose up to two months of math and reading skills during summer vacation if they’re not engaged academically. But what happens when those same kids have been burning out under academic pressure all year long? That’s where the debate begins. Some parents argue that summer is a much-needed pause for mental health and development—while many educators see summer learning as essential to keeping kids on track. So…

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In Parenting

Preparing for Kindergarten: Social-Emotional Skills Every Child Needs

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Is my toddler ready to transition from daycare to kindergarten? From a teacher-mom of two, here’s what to look for and how to prep your kid like a pro, without overwhelming them! The Daycare to Kindergarten Transition Is a Big Deal Wondering if your toddler is ready for kindergarten? Here are clear signs and simple steps to help with the daycare-to-kindergarten transition. Let’s be real: the jump from daycare to kindergarten can feel like a leap off a cliff—for both of you. One minute your toddler is finger painting and napping after lunch, the next they’re expected to sit still for circle time, line up without tears, and manage a backpack bigger than their torso. Kindergarten brings with it a new set of expectations—not just academically, but socially and emotionally. For many kids, this is the first time they’ll be one of many in a big classroom instead of the…

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In School

What Happens After the IEP Is Signed? What Parents Need to Know Next

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So you finally got the IEP signed—after weeks (maybe months) of evaluations, meetings, and hard conversations. You were told, “Now the support begins.” But what if the services don’t show up? What if the accommodations are forgotten, or your child is still struggling just as much? This is the part no one prepares you for: what happens after the paperwork is signed.  An IEP is just a starting line, not a finish line. You need to know how to implement the IEP after it’s signed. While it’s a powerful legal document, it’s not a magic wand. Signing the paperwork doesn’t guarantee that every support will be delivered as written or that your child’s school experience will immediately improve. The real work often begins after that last signature. Table of Contents Your IEP Is a Legal Document—But Implementation Varies Common Gaps Between Plan and Practice How to Monitor IEP Implementation Without…

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In School

Gifted Kid Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and What to Do About It

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As parents, we often celebrate our kids’ exceptional abilities. Whether it’s their intellect, talent in the arts, or athleticism, we know that these gifts will take them places. However, there’s an unseen struggle that many gifted kids face, often hidden beneath their high performance: burnout. Yes, burnout isn’t exclusive to overworked adults; it’s something our gifted children can experience too. The pressure to constantly excel, meet high expectations, and juggle various activities can take a heavy toll on their mental and physical health. Gifted Kid Burnout: What Is It? When we talk about gifted kid burnout, we’re referring to a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by the intense pressures gifted children face. While these kids may seem like they’re on top of everything, burnout can sneak up on them. If you’re a parent of a gifted child, you may start noticing some signs that things aren’t as…

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In Parenting

How to Help Your Kids Wind Down After School: Tips for a Relaxed After-School Routine

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The school day is a whirlwind of activities, lessons, and social interactions, and by the time your kids get home, they might be feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement, resulting in the dreaded after school-restraint collapse. Helping them wind down properly can make the transition from school to home smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family. Here’s a guide to helping your kids wind down and relax after school to kids decompress and recharge in a way that eases the effects of the after-school restraint collapse Why do kids struggle with the after-school transition?   Kids often struggle with the after-school transition because it can be a big shift from the structured school environment to the more relaxed (or chaotic) atmosphere at home. The sudden change can be overwhelming after a day full of lessons, rules, and social interactions – the sudden ability to let it all go,…

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In School

Top Backpack Picks for Kids Who Love to Carry Everything to School!

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As school creeps up, there is one thing on our minds: back-to-school shopping! If you are big on pre-planning like me, you must already be thinking about school supplies. If your pint-sized scholar insists on lugging around their world in a backpack, you are at the right space. Fret not, my fellow parents, and read along to help you pick that special bag that can handle all their treasures while keeping them comfy. Top backpacks for kids. Here are the top picks for the kiddos who love to carry everything to school: JanSport SuperBreak Backpack  JanSport has been a trusted brand for ages, and their SuperBreak Backpack is a classic choice. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for kids who like to fill their bags to the brim. With a roomy main compartment and a handy front utility pocket, there’s plenty of space for all their essentials. Plus, it…

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In School

Tips for Kids Starting at a New School

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Going back to school is a big deal – and it can be an even bigger one if your child is starting at a new, unfamiliar school. We’ve got tips for kids starting at a new school, and strategies to help ease the stress, for both you and your child. Things to do before your child starts at a new school As always, you know your child best and are the most qualified person to customize these ideas for them. Some kids will benefit from lots of advance information, while others are better off taking each moment as it comes. Here are some proactive steps you can take before your child sets foot in the new school: Talk it through. This may be especially important for older kids who are more attached to their existing school and need time to wrap their heads around the change. Adopt the role of…

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