You and your family have enjoyed a much-needed summer break. But it's now August, so it won't be long before you have to tackle another school year. With COVID-19, it's become even more crucial to ensure your kids are ready. Though you'll have to make a few key adjustments, it's still possible to have a fun and memorable fall.

Take a look at these ideas so that you can navigate these next few months with ease.

 

1. Take Important Health Precautions

 

There's a lot to think about wellness-wise come fall. A second coronavirus wave could make this fall much harder to navigate because we'll also have to think about cold and flu season. A few precautions can ensure your family stays as healthy as possible as you handle school and work. Otherwise, you may have to deal with sick kids and adults this fall and winter. It's better to be safe than sorry! 

Here are some tips to keep you and your family well: 

●     Get flu shots.

●     Wash hands frequently.

●     Eat a balanced diet.

●     Increase vitamin C intake.

●     Disinfect high-traffic areas daily.

●     Sleep for at least 7 hours.

●     Wear a mask.

Do your best to be proactive — more so than you've been since March. Send your kids to school with Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer and face masks so that they're ready. Think about more online classes than in-person classes if you can't expect your younger children to follow these rules. You can try similar tactics for work. A few preventative measures can make a significant difference.

 

2. Establish a Daily School Schedule

 

Will your kids have a mixed in-person and online class schedule? If so, it's essential to plan for a daily home school routine. You should check that your kids have enough supplies to navigate their courses. These preparations largely depend on their schools' specific approach, so you'll want to follow their guidelines first and foremost. Then, you can work with your children to make adjustments. 

You should manage days with a planner so that everyone can access their specific tasks. Otherwise, it'll be difficult for your kids to stay on track when they're at home. You can be flexible, but it's essential to prioritize structure. Consider extracurriculars as you map out each week's events. This way, you can account for every class and activity on days when they're not at school. 

This step should help them adjust to a routine that may seem a bit difficult at first.

 

3. Know What Symptoms Look Like

 

What do COVID-19 symptoms look like for kids and adults? It's essential to know what different signs exist so that you can keep your family healthy. Many children exhibit common physical indicators, like headaches, fevers and coughs. But you may also notice nausea and diarrhea, so it's necessary to consider all factors. Adults experience similar symptoms, as well as a loss of smell or taste. 

As soon as your kids or partner feel a bit sick, you'll want to ask that they stay home from school or work to avoid contact with others. Tell your children to let you know when they feel a bit under the weather. They may simply have a cold, but it's always smart to take preventative measures. You can then speak with your doctor to determine whether you need a COVID-19 test. 

It's still important to look for signs even though children are far less likely to have coronavirus. This precaution will help everyone stay safe.

 

4. Consider Fun Outdoor Activities

 

Your family's favorite fall activities don't have to be put on hold. It's still possible to have fun this fall. In fact, it's best to enjoy any nice weather before it's too chilly to spend time outside. Whether you want to try a scenic hayride or find an apple orchard, it's likely some outdoor events will still happen. Keep an eye out for ways to keep your family entertained so that you aren't stuck inside. 

You can still celebrate fall at home if you can't find any alternatives. Pick up a few pumpkins so that you can carve them as a family. You could have a spooky-themed movie night, too. Why not take a hike at your local park to discover different leaves? Have a Halloween dinner with treats if your kids can't collect candy. There are endless ways to safely create memories on your own turf. 

But if you want a breath of fresh air for your family, consider going cycling using motorized bicycles. The difference between this type of bicycle from the regular ones is the distance you can cover in a short period. Riding in motorized bicycles lets you take your family to beautiful destinations faster. This way, you’ll have more time to spend camping or basking in the scenic views. Of course, make sure your kids are old enough to ride a bike on long trails.

Make an effort to try these ideas on weeknights and weekends. This way, you can still enjoy the season.

 

Use These Tips to Have a Safe and Memorable Fall

 

You don't have to sacrifice your family's fall memories to keep everyone healthy. As long as you plan ahead, your family can enjoy a safe and memorable fall. Be sure to prioritize wellness above all else — but remember you can still have fun, too.