Host a dinner party or have a movie night  in your own backyard. “

Back to School: This month is designated for this national holiday to recognize the importance of education and helps families prepare to get back into a routine. It promotes mental health and wellness, and stresses the importance of the structure academics provide for children across the country. While the school year start dates vary, this month is a good reminder for parents to re-establish goals for the new school year, a set time for homework, dinner, and bedtime routine. Did your children stay up late during the summer? Take a week or 10 days before school starts and establish the bedtime / wake up schedule you want during the school year. This will reset your children’s biological clock and get them ready for that early wakeup call on the first day of school.

 Setting up a family calendar: A great way to see what the work/school week looks like for the entire family. Who has practice after school? Who will drop off/pick up the children when they are done with band/track/soccer/football, or the myriads of other activities they may be involved in. 

Most major box stores have great deals on school supplies and clothing. Make sure to check your children’s school supply list so they are ready for day one! Many schools have ‘meet the teacher nights‘, where you can take a tour of the school and drop off the supplies early, easing your load and lessening the chaos on that first day of school. 

This is a good opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher about any concerns or special needs that may need to be addressed during the school year. If your child has an IEP or a mental health concern that needs to be addressed, don’t wait to schedule those appointments for them. It can be challenging to navigate academics, social groups, and personal growth for young children and teenagers, and support for them is vital as they begin a new school year. Utilize the school counselor or reach out to a therapist to schedule an appointment for your child. Check out NAMI for additional resources (www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/school-resources/back-to-school-resources/)

Family Fun Month: Another fun holiday this month celebrates the importance of quality time as a family. It serves as a reminder to make time for your loved ones before the school year kicks off. Summertime can be full of experiences and memories with family and friends, vacations, camping, and late nights making smores in the backyard, but there is something special about taking a day with your children and creating more memories. 

Here is a list of activities to foster quality time and make lasting memories:

• Be a tourist in your own town. Visit a local museum or botanic garden.
• Have a movie night in your backyard. Bring out the popcorn, lemonade, and sleeping bags and enjoy the outdoors.
• Have a dinner party. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to get involved in the cooking process and it teaches children a valuable life skill!

The important thing to remember about spending time together is the intentionality behind the activities. Put away the phones, the tablets, turn off the TV…and enjoy the time together. Relationships are vital for all of us, and everyone will remember the fun time you had together creating memories and strengthening your connections.

Amy Tilley, PsyD. has 20 years in the mental health and addiction recovery field. Her clinical interests include working with young adults and adults diagnosed with co-occurring conditions. Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center. 

Visit desertstarARC.com or call 520-638-6000