The end of the school year is quickly approaching! Are you prepared? This can be a stressful time for parents and students alike. There are so many things to do, and not enough time to do them! But don’t worry! Here are some tips and tricks to help make the end of the school year a little bit easier – and prepare for summer break.

• Make a Checklist: You may want to start by making a checklist of everything that needs to be done. This checklist can include things like cleaning out lockers, turning in library books, and returning any borrowed items from teachers. It’s important not to forget these things because they will save you time later on! 
• Prepare for exams: Kids of all ages have exams nowadays – so think about helping your child to be prepared for all of their tests. This might mean going over old test questions with them or having them study ahead of time, so there are no surprises when it comes down to crunch time during finals week at school. 
• Tackle stress: One way to lessen the burden of the end-of-year transition is to reduce stress – for you and your children. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as through exercise, yoga, or meditation. Remember the importance of taking some time for yourself each day – and share this with your kids. It will help everyone feel more relaxed and able to take on whatever comes.
• Set realistic goals: The end of the school year is a busy time. You might be tempted to set unrealistic goals (such as trying to do all the things), but this can lead to disappointment and frustration when they are not met. Instead, try setting manageable goals that you know you can achieve! It’s also helpful if these are written down somewhere visible, so it’ll remind you what needs to be done throughout each day or week. 
• Create a schedule for your child: Before summer even begins, it’s important to think about implementing some structure. Structure is good for everyone – especially for younger children who may not understand why there aren’t any classes anymore. Create a daily routine by making lists (or using apps) that outline activities such as reading time, exercise, snacks, etc. And get the kids involved in designing the schedule so that everyone is happy!
• But don’t schedule everything: It’s also important to have some downtime during the summer. This doesn’t mean doing nothing – but rather, taking a few days here and there where there are no set plans. Let your kids stay up a little bit later, sleep in, and just relax!
• Plan for summer reading: Reading is one of the best activities your children can do to keep them ready for the return to school in the fall. It’s also a great activity for parents to model for their children. Create a summer reading plan which might include reading aloud as a family, designated time for individual reading, and trips to your local library for new books. 

While everyone seems to be excited about the end of the school year, it can most definitely be a busy time! All sorts of end-of-the-year activities need to be wrapped up – including exams – and then you need to prepare for summer. But don’t be overwhelmed by that to-do list! Use these tips and check things off one by one and both you and your kids will end the school year on a high note!