Summer routines are often very different for families during this time of year than in the fall and winter.  Kids wake up later, watch more television and routines fall to the wayside.  But, the lazy days of summer soon end and it’s back to school with homework, after school activities, and carpools.  During the summer, it’s sometimes best for kids to have a fixed routine of bedtime and breakfast that mimics the school year so that it isn’t as much of a jolt to get ready for fall.  The more that a family can keep a routine during the summer, the easier the transition back to school.  It is also a great time to see about what topics in school may be difficult and get a jump start on reading material or other informational material that may present a challenge to your child during the school year.  The fluid transition back to school is easier with time spent in the summer reviewing books or topics.  It is evident that once the school year ends most kids forget up to 25% of what they have learned  and the beginning month of September is spent in reviewing material for most teachers.  If your child already faces challenges with school and staying on top of their work, why not take advantage of library programs and books available so that your child can stay ahead?  School days will be here before we can say September and something as simple as going to bed at a certain hour and waking at the same hour to establish a routine is a simple way to ease the transition and keep kids from feeling the jolt of back-to-school.  Reading throughout the summer is also a great way to improve school performance and keep kids’ interest in a topic while retaining information they can use in the school year.  Use the resources of libraries since there may be more than you realize available to keep your child interested in learning.  Until then, enjoy the sunshine and lazy summer days.