May is here again, and the school year is wrapping up! The end of the school year is usually a combination of last-minute activities, warm spring weather, and pushing through the same school-day routine… which is probably feeling a little stale by now. (See the viral post Worst End of School Year Mom Ever if you relate!) Okay, so how can we as parents help our kids (and ourselves) end the school year on a good note? Here a few ways to finish well and get ready to transition into a summer routine. Stay consistent with homework, morning and evening...

Most of us are aware that having some sort of routine is necessary to have a functional family life. Kids need routines throughout their growing-up years, not just when they’re infants or toddlers. Keeping activities in a consistent sequence helps both parents and kids manage their daily needs, including food, hygiene, sleep, and homework. Kids may fight routine, but it helps them have a sense of consistency and security. Here are some tips for helping your child stick to a routine: Use pictures. Connecting visuals with a listed routine can help kids remember it better, especially if they’re visual-spatial learners....