GETTING VERY SLEEPY ...
ESTABLISHING A BEDTIME ROUTINE FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
MAKE IT EASY Though the days may be getting shorter, it’s still relatively light out at night, making it nearly impossible for your kids to doze off when they should. Sleep experts recommend creating a sleeping space that mimics a cave: dark, cool, and quiet. This means sunlight shouldn’t sneak into the room, and the home should be a quiet zone after bedtime. No one wants to sleep while everyone else is having fun, so it’s important that everyone in the home is quiet at bedtime. JUST RELAX This is a rule your family should follow year-round, not just when you want to reestablish a routine. At a certain time each night, begin the nightly wind-down. For example, at 8 p.m. shut off your screens, put on pajamas, and engage in a relaxing activity, like reading a book or doing some yoga. Signaling to your body and your family that it’s time for bed will help your kiddos, and you, fall asleep at an appropriate time.
Between vacations, bonfires, and sporting tournaments, your children’s sleep schedule probably went on break when they did this summer. With school fast approaching, it’s vital to get your kids back on a proper sleep schedule. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, getting enough sleep can significantly improve a child’s growth and cognitive function. But getting a restful night’s sleep is easier said than done when kids have had almost complete freedom for three months. Try these tips to get your kids snoozing through August and prepared for school. START EARLY AND GO SLOWLY When practicing this tip, think of the old adage: “It takes 21 days to break a habit.” If your kids have been going to bed late this summer, set a time when they must go to bed, but don’t make it too far off the time they have been regularly hitting the hay. If they shuffle off to bed around 10 p.m., push their bedtime to 9:45 p.m., and then push it back to 9:30 p.m. one week later. Slowly work your way back to an appropriate time, and bedtime will be easier when school starts.
ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
WHAT TO PACK FOR A LONG DRIVE
WATER, SNACKS, AND A COOLER Staying hydrated and well-fed is essential when you’re logging hundreds of miles in a day. If you don’t want to rely on truck-stop snacks or fast-food drive- thrus, you should pack plenty to eat and drink. At the very least, you should have plenty of water and a couple of reusable bottles to fill up at stops. BLANKET, FLASHLIGHT, AND FIRST-AID KIT You may not need these items, but you’ll be thankful to have them if called upon. Getting stranded in a car stinks, but it’s not so bad when you have the tools to stay warm and safe while you wait for roadside services.
Is any type of summer vacation more American than a road trip? Traversing the country on four wheels is an experience unlike any other, thanks to our country’s vast landscape and comprehensive highway system. It offers more freedom and possibility than an all-inclusive getaway, but it doesn’t come without its own drawbacks. There’s nothing worse than being hundreds of miles from civilization without the supplies you need, so it’s important to be prepared before you hit the road. The most important form of preparation, of course, is making sure your car is fully serviced before departure. Once you know your car can handle the trek, it’s time to put the necessary supplies in it. Here’s a checklist of items everyone should bring on a road trip. SUNGLASSES, SUN VISOR, AND SUNSCREEN Stepping into a sweltering car on a summer day is nobody’s idea of refreshing. Driving with the sun blasting in your face isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. For long summer drives, it’s important to bring tools that limit the negative impact of the sun on your driving experience.
EXTRA CHARGING CABLES AND A MAP We’ve come to rely on modern navigation tools to get us where we’re going. You’ll want to make sure your phone has enough battery to get you to your destination. As a backup, bring along some maps. After all, you never know when service may cut out, especially if you’re driving through unfamiliar areas.
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