Southwind District 4-H’ers participate in the Kansas State Fair State 4-H Crops/Weeds ID Contest on September 9, 2023, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Three of the four team members moved up from the Intermediate Division to the Senior Division to form a full Senior Team. Results were 3rd Place Team, Carly Kramer 8th Individual, Camryn Wille 15th Individual, Kason Botts 16th Individual, and Henry Kramer 18th Individual.
Pictured are (left to right; front to back): Kason Botts, Henry Kramer, Casey Diver (coach), Carly Kramer, and Camryn Wille.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Renovating Fescue Lawns After Drought Loss
Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row that we are facing drought conditions going into the fall. Our fescue lawns have really taken a beating the last two years and many have almost completely died out. I know some lawns still look green, but you would be surprised at how much of your lawn is actually crabgrass and not fescue. If you are thinking about renovating your lawn, September is the time to do it. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding.
To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.
Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth. Machines to do such work can often be rented, so check around.
Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.
Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue variety that has better growth habits. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.
Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist for rapid germination. This might be a bit tricky considering how dry the soil is. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.
Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.
On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees, but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get established by winter. It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.
In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.
Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Falls threaten safety and independence and generate economic and personal costs. However, through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be reduced.
Falls are not a natural part of aging. Even if you are healthy, it is important to check your risk. You may answer 13 short questions to learn yours at www.nocoa.org/fallsfreecheckup.
There are many steps you can take now to prevent a fall, here are six to get you started!
Find a good balance and exercise program
Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension for options. Find a program you like and take a friend!
Talk to your health care provider
Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.
Regularly review your medications with doctor or pharmacist
Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
Get your hearing and vision checked and glasses updated
Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.
Keep your home safe
Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
Talk to your family members
Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.
Here’s to healthy aging and being fall free! For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Picture Left to Right: Ella Snyder and Tex, Makiah Woods and Sadie, Davina Foster and Paris. Submitted photos.
The Bourbon County 4h Dog Project qualified three members for the 2023 Kansas State Fair Dog Agility Competition.
On September 2 in Hutchinson, KS Ella Snyder with Tex, Makiah Woods with Sadie, and Davina Foster with Paris competed in a field of 45 in the Dog Agility 1 competition.
All three received purple ribbons with Davina Foster placing 4th with a perfect score of 200.
The Bourbon County 4h Dog Project is assisted by volunteers Zach and Aubry Ross of Ross’s Kennels.
They will be holding try-it days in September or October for current and future 4Hers to come and experience the project along with adults as the club fundraises for equipment.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is an alarming health crisis across America and an ongoing issue in Kansas. In 2018, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death in the State of Kansas, and the suicide rate increased by 70% from the year 2000 to 2018. In July 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released an alert to notify healthcare providers of increased emergency visits related to female suicide attempts. In July alone, there were 162 suicide-related occurrences among Kansas females. These eye-opening statistics testify to the importance of observing Suicide Prevention Month and illustrate the urgent need for community action in addressing this health crisis.
Many myths surround suicide, such as the belief that it cannot be prevented. This myth is false. Many suicides can be prevented through asking questions, open conversations, proper mental health treatment, and reducing access to fatal means. In challenging myths like this one, we set the stage to look at the signs and symptoms of suicide, a critical part of suicide prevention.
Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide is the first step in saving lives. A few warning signs include, but are not limited to, isolation from others, engaging in risky activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, giving away personal items for no reason, and talking about not wanting to be alive. Upon noticing warning signs, early intervention and support are needed.
Fortunately for those in need of support, there are many resources available.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a counselor online by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.
NAMI Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. CST. The helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or emailing [email protected].
Crisis Text Line, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting www.crisistextline.org.
Although there are ways for those contemplating suicide to get help, they may not seek support due to stigma. Some ways to help reduce the stigma of suicide include using respectful and mindful language when talking about suicide and showing compassion for those struggling. By fostering an environment of understanding and providing support, we can encourage others to reach out and seek the help they need.
Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to spread valuable information and resources while working to destigmatize suicide and mental health conversations. Join in engaging with the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team’s Suicide Prevention Month campaign, beginning September 1st, by visiting facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management. Together, we can make a difference.
This article was adapted from an article originally written by the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team. The main sources of information came from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Mayo Clinic Health System, Heartland Community Health Center, and SuicideLine Victoria. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Chad Guthrie District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management Southwind District 210 S. National Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Cell: 308-991-8415 [email protected]
Sericea Lespedeza is labeled as a noxious weed by the state of Kansas. This means
landowners are required by law to control the weed. In the Southwind District, landowners and
producers continue to fight this weed on rangeland, pasture, and small acreages. There are
multiple herbicides and cultural practices that can help control sericea, but proper timing is
very important. Our district has experienced below average rainfall most of the summer, and
producers that usually target sericea in June with Tricoplyr likely weren’t able to make their
applications, or their applications may not have been effective. August and September offer a
second chance at controlling this tough weed.
The month of August, and into early September offer a great chance at controlling
sericea while it is actively blooming. Targeting the plant while it blooms not only kills the top
growth of the weed, but it also prevents the plants from producing a viable seed.
As many landowners have figured out, sericea is a prolific seed producer. A single stem
can produce upwards of 1500 seeds, equating to over 300 pounds of seed per acre in pure
stands of sericea. With this many seeds being added to the soil’s seedbank, killing off existing
plants will only provide space for new seeds to germinate, so keeping this plant from producing
seed is vital in achieving good control and eradicating the weed species.
Herbicides containing metsulfuron are recommended while sericea is blooming.
Recommended rates for broadcast spraying commonly found herbicides are: 0.5 oz/acre Escort
XP, 0.625 oz/acre Cimarron Plus, and 2.5 to 3 oz/acre Chaparral. All herbicides containing
metsulfuron should be mixe with a non-ionic surfactant (NIS).
For producers looking to spot spray sericea, a tank mix of Escort + a NIS can achieve
good control: 1.0 oz Escort + 1 qt NIS in 100 gal water, or 5 grams Escort + 1.5 floz NIS in 5 gal
water. Adding .5 fl oz PastureGard HL per gallon tank mix can increase control.
Burning sericea lespedeza in the fall is gaining interest across the state. Where herbicide
applications can cost upwards of $20 per acre, burning pastures can cost around $0.20 per acre.
Burning sericea while it is blooming or developing its seed in late-August to mid-September can
remove top growth, and prevent the plant from producing a viable seed.
Burning sericea can be a challenge for producers. In the Southwind district, tall fescue is
the dominant species, and is actively growing in August and September. It is often stockpiled
for late fall and winter grazing. In these situations, burning is not recommended.
Burning is recommended in non-ag situations, native pastures, and in pure stands of
sericea. If properly done, patches of pure stands of sericea can be burned in fescue pastures,
but the risk of the fire spreading is always there.
Burning also will cause scarification on the existing sericea seeds in the soil and cause
them to germinate, often appearing to make the situation worse.
While you are not able to prevent the new germination of sericea plants, you can use
this opportunity to kill the new, weak plants. Waiting 4 weeks after burning, you can go back to
the area and spray the new growth with herbicides containing Trycoplyr. A popular choice is
Remedy Ultra. Remedy Ultra can be broadcast sprayed at 1.5 pint/ acre, or spot sprayed at a 1
% solution vol/vol (1 gal of Remedy ultra/100gal water, or 6.5 fl oz in 5 gal of water).
Many landowners prefer to mow sericea. Repeated mowing can prevent the spread of
sericea and weaken the stand, but it will not likely kill the plants completely.
Mowing in the fall can follow the same ideas as burning. Mowing while the sericea is
blooming can prevent a viable seed from being produced. The new growth can then be sprayed
with Tricoplyr at the same rates mentioned above.
Producers have several options to try and control Sericea Lespedeza. Often times
greater percent control can be achieved by using more than one control method. For more
recommendations contact Chad Guthrie, Crop Production and Forage Management Agent, or
Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, at any Southwind Extension District Office. Office
Locations in Erie, Fort Scott, Iola, and Yates Center.
: 4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. Submitted photo.
4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 19-20 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Emery Yoho, Chanlynn Wrestler, Carly Dreher, Kyser Nemecek, Brady Hurt, Tate Crystal, Carla Nemecek (coach), Byron Fry, and Reegan McDaniel. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties.
4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted of blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2023 Reserve Champion State 4-H Sweepstake Team. The top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Tate Crystal 3rd; Reegan McDaniel 4th and Carly Dreher 9th after excelling in all contests.
The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was seated first after the test and was later named the 3rd Overall Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #2 (Fry, Yoho, McDaniel, Wrestler) earned 6th best team.
The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 212 contestants and 41 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #1 (Dreher, Crystal, Hurt, Nemecek) was 1st in Sheep; 1st in Hogs; 3rd in Cattle, and 1st in Reasons and named Champion Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:
The Meats Judging contest was based on the identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. The Intermediate Meats Judging Team continues to shine and was named Champion Team for the second consecutive year. Members include Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, and MaKinlee Bloesser and they were 1st in Placings; and 1st in Retail ID. Individual intermediate meats judging results are as follows:
Senior Meats Judging results include: Southwind #1 (Fry, Crystal, McDaniel, Dreher) was 4th in Placings, 3rd in Reasons, 4th in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual senior meat judging results are as follows:
Byron Fry – 5th Retail ID; 4th Overall
Reegan McDaniel – 7th Reasons
Brady Hurt – 10th Reasons
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation, and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols and judging wool. Out of 30 teams and 156 individuals, Southwind #1 (Crystal, Dreher, Hurt, Nemecek) was 4th in Exam, 2nd in Practicum; and Reserve Champion Team Overall. Southwind #2 (McDaniel, Wrestler, Yoho, Fry) was 3rd in Exam, 4th in Practicum; 3rd Team Overall. Southwind #3 (Sutton, Sutton, K. Bloesser, Shadden) was 6th in Practicum and 11th Overall Team. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:
This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Livestock Judging Team, Reserve and 3rd Skillathon Teams, 3rd & 6th Quiz Bowl Team Teams, Champion Intermediate & 3rd Senior Meats Judging Teams, and Reserve Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is grateful for the support of their parents and very proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.
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K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Starlite FCE held its August meeting at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect. Nine members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for 134 hours and had recycled 1500 pounds.
The minutes of the May and June meeting were read and approved. The club had received thank you notes were read from Wilma Hibdon and Bryan Fry. Deb Lust presented the Treasurers report in the absence of Doris Ericson. Bank fees were discussed and Karen Peery moved that the club close their account and go to cash, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried. Karen Peery presented the Council report. She announced that the Fall Follies will be held in Bronson at the Community Center on October 10th at 6:00. Our club is responsible to bring four desserts and potato soup. Karen Peery, Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Terri Williams will bring pies and Terri Williams will prepare the soup. Karen also announced that the Fair Bake sale had raised $316 to go toward a scholarship. Karen Peery, Doris Ericson and Betty Johnson will be attending the FCE State Meeting.
Glenda Miller recognized birthday of Delphine Parks and Leanna Taylor. Glenda also announced the lessons for the upcoming year and that Starlite and received 1st place in the State for our Service Project and 2nd on our accomplishment report. It was also announced that the club had handed out 100 brochures on Men’s health.
New business consisted of putting together goodie bags for the first responders in the area and signing thank you cards for their service. Thank you cards were also signed for the sponsors of the hay bale and scarecrow contests, since the club and won second place on our hay bale and third place on our scarecrow.
Deb Lust was nominated as Starlites representative for the Heart of FCE. Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Karen Peery seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on Blueberries and provided refreshments of whole wheat blueberry muffins, blueberry drizzle cake, chocolate covered blueberries, dehydrated blueberries and water.
The recent miserably hot weather has had many (myself included) desperately looking forward to cooler temperatures. As I am writing this, more than half of the state of Kansas is under an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 100 Kansans are hospitalized each year as a result of heat stress. So, what can you do to beat the heat? Check out these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Wear lightweight clothing.
Stay in an air-conditioned space as often as possible. If you do not have air conditioning at home, remember that your local public library may serve as a cooling center!
Protect yourself from the sun. Since sunburn can cause dehydration, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you have to go outside.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Try giving yourself visual cues to help prevent this from happening, such as always keeping a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat and then placing that stuffed animal in the front of the car with you after your child is buckled in.
Stay hydrated. Do not wait until you are thirsty since the feeling of being thirsty lags behind your body’s need for water. To learn more about the importance of fluids to your health, visit bit.ly/ksreliquidassets to check out a recently released fact sheet from K-State Research and Extension.
Keep your pets hydrated, too!
Know the signs of heat-related illness. These can include (but are not limited to) confusion, dizziness, fainting, headache, losing consciousness, nausea or vomiting, and tiredness or weakness. Visit bit.ly/heatsigns to learn more about warning signs and what to do if someone shows these signs.
To learn more about hot weather tips from the CDC, visit bit.ly/cdchotweathertips. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Although many gardens are still producing, it is time to get our fall vegetables planted. Believe it or not, fall is a great gardening season!
When you think about it, fall weather is much like spring – warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Rainfall is typically more abundant in the fall than summer so less irrigation is needed and fall gardens often have fewer insect pest and disease problems. Combine all of these and you have the ingredients for a great garden! And of most importance is the taste of the produce grown. Flavors of fall grown vegetables are often sweeter and milder in taste than those grown during hot summer weather.
Some of the best vegetables for a fall garden are lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, cabbage, turnips and carrots because of their frost-tolerance. These vegetables can be planted directly into your garden wherever space can be found – next to plants still growing in the garden like tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. Plant mid-August until the first week of September.
Left over seed from spring planting can be used as long as it was stored in a cool, dry location. To speed up germination and seedling emergence, soak the seeds overnight before planting. If you are purchasing new seed, look for the shortest season cultivars that you can find to insure harvest before a killing frost. The average fall freeze date for our area is around October 24 according to the Weather Data Library on the K-State campus.
Sometimes establishing a fall garden can be difficult during the summer when soil temperatures are extremely high. One way to avoid this is to establish plants in containers or pots for transplanting into the garden later in the season when the weather begins to cool. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collards can be grown in cooler protected areas for 2-4 weeks prior to setting in the garden. Be sure to acclimatize crops for several days before transplanting directly into the garden.
Garden soil should be prepared just like for spring. An application of fertilizer will probably be necessary for optimum plant growth. Use one pound of a complete analysis fertilizer, such as 12-12-12, applied per 100 square feet of garden area. Weeds and grasses will also grow well in a fall garden so mulching may be warranted.
If you do not have a traditional garden space, think about doing a container garden. Just about anything that will hold soil and have a drain hole in the bottom can be used.
Everyone gets geared up to plant vegetables in the spring, but the fall season offers many benefits to gardening. Few take advantage of the season, but consider giving it a try this year.
The Extension office has the “Vegetable Garden Planting Guide” publication available free of charge. This guide offers information such as days to first harvest, days to germination, planting depth, frost resistance, and more.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Kansas State University State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest – August 12, 2023
Pictured from left to right are Southwind District 4-H’ers: Kason Botts, Will Maycumber, Jewel Endicott, Austin Maycumber, Seth Shadden, Camryn Wille, Hailey Shadden, Abigail Meiwes, and Coach Casey Diver.
Intermediate Division:
Hailey Shadden….10th Place Individual
Camryn Wille
Kason Botts
Austin Maycumber
Team – 4th Place
Senior Division:
Abigail Meiwes: 1st Place Individual
Jewel Endicott
Seth Shadden
Will Maycumber
Team – 2nd Place
submitted by
Jennifer K. Terrell
District Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development
Cassidy Lutz K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent Southwind District 211 W. Butler Yates Center, KS 66783 620-625-8620
The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the sound of bells ringing through the halls, and the gathering of friends that you haven’t seen all summer.
I am sure we can all think back to our childhood and remember how the beginning of a new school year brought on excitement, dread, or anxiety.
As a parent, you can help your children get a good start to this school year and ease some of those anxious thoughts and feelings.
For many kids, one of the biggest back-to-school worries is if they will like their teacher. Breaking the ice early is one of the best ways to calm their fears. If personal contact with the teacher is not possible before school starts, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook. Helping your child put a face with a name before the first day in the classroom can help them feel more at ease and prepare them for their first interaction.
Familiarizing your child with their environment is another thing you can do to help them avoid nervous tummy aches. If your school offers a walk-through before the first day, this can be a great opportunity for you to meet the teacher, find their desk, or explore the school together. With older children, try asking them to give you a tour of the school and their classroom. Not only will this help refresh their minds, but it will give you an idea of where they will be spending the majority of their time over the next several months.
Go over class supply lists and plan a shopping trip. Having all the needed school supplies can help your child feel prepared. By taking your kids back to school shopping, they will feel supported and encouraged. Allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a backpack in their favorite color while also keeping basic needs in mind. Even a small fun purchase can make going back to school more enjoyable and give them something to look forward to.
Ease into new routines the week leading up to the first day of school. Switching from a summer schedule to a structured school schedule can be stressful for everyone in a household. Avoid mayhem on the first day of school by getting into the new routine a few days in advance. Set an alarm clock, go through your morning ritual, and make time for a healthy breakfast. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing one early will make the first day of school go so much smoother.
After school kicks off, take time to talk as a family about how each day went. Try asking how they like their classes, if they have made any new friends, or what they like most about school thus far. Not only will you learn more about how they are adapting to all the changes, but this will also help strengthen family relationships by bonding over shared conversations.
Don’t let the beginning of a new school year create unnecessary stress for your kids and household. By doing some of these simple things, you can help your children feel prepared and ready to tackle another great school year. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.