8 AUGUST 2019 By Nola Enge Young Arcadians are heading back to school this month and families will shift into higher gears after the lazy days of summer. New schedules don’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, back- to-school time can be a smooth transition for the whole family. Acknowledge your child’s feelings about school. Some may not be able or willing to discuss, but you know your child best and likely can decipher their feelings even if they don’t share outright. For young children, storybooks and art can help them articulate their thoughts. Repeat their words to acknowledge their concerns, even if their worries seem irrational to you. Older children may feel more at ease to express themselves in the car, or as you shop or cook together. Take things as they come forth organically. For example, one of my children would volunteer the previous year’s issues as school approached. Though the issues seemed moot to me since everything would be new, it was relevant to their thoughts about school starting. Although it’s almost a rite of passage for adults to joke with kids about dreading the return to school, most children look forward to it. Parents should also elicit happy feelings and discuss them as school begins. Model that education is important to your family. Get involved. When children see you engage, they feel a stronger sense of belonging. Education is relational. Bolster relationships by conversing often with teachers so they’ll know your child and family. Choose a preschool where you are welcome to participate. Find out what your school office needs or attend parent seminars. There’s no shame in volunteering for things that reflect your interests. If the PTO isn’t your thing, offer up other skills you have, such as guitar playing or gardening. If the thought of making change at the school auction gives you hives, bake for the Cake Walk. Schools need a lot of help and you are valued, no matter what you offer. Make sleep a priority. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to sound the alarm that American children aren’t getting the sleep they need. And the problem isn’t merely crankiness: “Regularly sleeping fewer than the number of recommended hours is associated with attention, behavior, and learning problems… accidents, injuries, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and depression.” In a 24-hour period, preschoolers need 11-14 hours of sleep, elementary students/ middle schoolers need 9-12, and teenagers need 8-10. Occasionally I’ve asked preschool parents to count backwards from when their child wakes to find their recommended bedtime. The answer is startlingly early, with an even earlier pre-bedtime routine of bath, reading, lullabies and all the things we do to cue that the day is done. Skip unnecessary consumerism. Pass on taking young children shopping for school clothes. It’s crowded and hot and they aren’t interested in what adults are buying. For older students, consider giving them a budget and the autonomy to select what makes them happy. Today’s teens are speaking up about antiquated dress codes and the systems that created them. The steps they take toward regulating their own bodies are both beautiful and necessary in becoming independent adults. Dress for success. Choose comfortable play clothes for young students with shoes conducive to jumping, running and climbing – no heels or stiff materials. Skip dresses or other garments that inhibit free movement. Equal the literal playing field, so moving freely and athletically isn’t a gendered experience. Choose clothes that aren’t so expensive that kids are afraid to paint or dive into messy science experiments. Connect the idea of fun with school. Introduce yourself to other parents and start the playdates rolling early and often. This will also provide the “village” you’ll treasure in raising the next generation. Go to the school carnivals, art nights, dance shows and marching band competitions. Enjoy your time. Our fortunate Arcadia neighborhood has schools serving all the way from toddlers to teens. With a little strategizing, back to school will be a happy transition for the whole family. — Nola Enge, PhD, is the director at The Hills School at Shepherd of the Hills, 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd., thehillsschool.org. A little back-to-school prep goes a long way LOCKED OUT? 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES 602-956-7299 SINCE 1978 Prompt • Quality • Professional Service 3942 E. 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p a i d a d v e r t i s e m e n t r e a l e s tat e c o r n e r T U C K E R B L A L O C K y o u r a r c a d i a a n d b i lt m o r e r e a l e s tat e s p e c i a l i s t T U C K E R B L A L O C K 6 0 2 - A R C A D I A Who says that summers are slow? If you are like most people you have probably been told that nobody buys homes in the summer here in Arizona. It's too hot, everyone leaves, nobody goes outside, etc etc. Here comes a shocker! More homes are sold in the summer than any other time of the year! In 2017 and 2018, summer sales volume in Arizona was approximately 50% higher than in the winter months. So for all of you that think you have to wait until summer is over to sell your home...don't believe the hype. To the right you will see charts from the past two years pulled directly from the MLS statistics website that show the number of closings each month. Both charts show a definite trend that includes low sales volume heading into the winter holidays and a ramp up into the summer months. In 2018, January only saw 6,209 homes close whereas June through August averaged 8,678 homes per month. This year, we saw much of the same as January closed 5,467 homes and June saw 9,480 sales. It's also interesting to note that days on market decrease during the summer. I believe the summer months are busiest for a couple of reasons. First, there is some carryover from the spring selling season that pushes closings into the summer. Second, a lot of local families move during the summer so that it doesn't interfere with the school year. You also have to remember that just because it is hot doesn't mean that companies aren't relocating their workers here or that people stop looking for shelter. Maricopa County continues to lead the nation in population growth so don't think that a little hot weather will slow the rush. We love summer buyers! If they are out looking at homes in 120 degree heat then they are serious. Thanks to these buyers, The Brokery just turned in the best month in company history during July. If you are thinking about selling this summer, we aren't afraid to put in some sweat for you. Call us today at 602-888-6375. *All facts and figures are deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. MLS statistics as of June 2018 & 2019. m o n t h ly s a l e s f o r j u n e 2 0 1 7 - j u n e 2 0 1 8 m o n t h ly s a l e s f o r j u n e 2 0 1 8 - j u n e 2 0 1 9