LIFE’S FLAVORS 7/28- ALLISON LIBBY-THESING OF THE OAKS BED & BREAKFAST

In just a few weeks students will be setting those alarms clocks and packing those lunches for a return to the classroom. I thought I would give you a run down of what this family of five students does to prepare them for the upcoming school year.

To start off I want to introduce you to my wonderful children. The oldest and Senior this year, Isabelle. Second, and a sophomore this year Barrett. My eighth grader is Cooper. Entering fifth grade this year is Decllan and last but not least, Quintten who will be entering third grade. All of my students attend school in the Sulphur Springs school district. For us, that means we are at four different campuses this year for one more year.

    All of my kids are involved in at least one sport, if not more than one throughout the year, as well as training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Now I don’t tell you this for any reason other than to let you know my children are very use to a schedule and I expect them to help manage their time as well, especially as they get older. Even with that expectation, I will still go through this process with them.

Two weeks before school starts, everyone must start getting up at the school appointed time and function as a member of society. No more lazing around in bed, but up and making breakfast, getting lunches together or chores, that will keep them busy. If they are playing a high school sport and must be at practice in the morning even better. That helps them to re-establish their routine for the year before the first day.

I also try to keep them busy during the day, with chores, outside games, or reading. Just a little something more to engage their minds and have their bodies adjust to a full day schedule. I also try to reduce their grazing time in the kitchen. Don’t worry I do not deny my children food, but when they are at school, they only have certain times which they can eat. There is not an endless supply of fruit on the counter in the classroom for them to select throughout the day. Although that might be a great idea.

As we start our two-week warm up to the school year, we attempt to reestablish an earlier bed time. The older two generally are asleep by 10 p. m., while the younger three range from as early as 8:45 p. m. to 10 p. m. as well. I do encourage them to attempt to hit the hay a little earlier since that will also help them when they have to start waking up in the morning.

The week before school starts, we step up our preparedness game. We go so far as to do dry runs to school. You never know how traffic will be especially on the first day. Last year was crazy, with rain and a huge line to the middle school needless to say, we were late. Which never happens in our house. Two of my boys will ride their bikes to school, unless it is raining, which is partly why we were late last year. The boys know their way to school, so we might all take a family bike ride to reverify departure times, to match their arrival times. The High Schoolers drive/ride together to school which makes life a little easier.

We always make sure to drop our school supplies off during the scheduled time, at each school, so that they don’t have to worry about carrying those bags into the school on the first day. When schedules are live and we can pick them up, a tour of the Middle School is on the agenda to reacquaint our student with the process and hallways.

The first day of school arrives, I “force” everyone to take those first day of school pictures, which will be more important this year for sure, since it will be our last first day for “the girl.” I might be an awesome Mom and make breakfast for all of them, biscuits and gravy is always a crowd favorite. Their

backpacks will be ready and waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Lunches will be made the night before, hopefully, or quickly slapped together in the morning. Then they will be off for the 2022-2023 school year. Let’s Go Wildcats!