Football season is starting up. The temperature is finally beginning to drop. And your bank account is drained from buying school supplies. Yes, it’s that time of year again!

Are you ready for back-to-school season?

Every parent knows the rush of getting your children back into the routine of going to school. Early morning wake-ups, coffee-fueled chauffeuring, and frantically trying to figure out when soccer practice starts.

It’s a chaotic transition, especially after your family just enjoyed a fun and wonderful summer at home together. But family bonding doesn’t have to stop just because school is starting.

How do you manage to bring that fun of vacation back in the midst of back to school chaos?

Know your schedule.

It’s a great idea to plan family bonding days and quick vacations during the school year, but the question is… when? The easiest way to make these days a reality is to know when you are all free.

Keep a family calendar in your kitchen to map out sports, recitals, book clubs, and any other important events. Not only will this help you find free time, it will also prevent you from missing out on any big days in your children’s lives.

Set goals.

This is a great time to set goals for the next year. Whether it concerns your child’s academics, your family relationships, or the future (getting into college, moving up to a higher level in gymnastics, retirement, and so on), sit down and talk with your family about these goals, so you are all on the same page.

Knowing everyone’s goals will allow you to help each other succeed and be a strong support system throughout the year.

Sit down for dinner.

As cheesy as it sounds, studies show that it’s extremely beneficial for families to sit down at the dinner table and enjoy the evening meal together. Maneuvering your schedules and duties for family dinner is worth it.

Family dinners elicit more conversation, put your children at a lower risk for dangerous activities, and are far healthier for your children than throwing food at them on-the-go or sticking them in front of the television.

Take care of yourself.

Back to school season is not just stressful for your children – it can also put a strain on your emotional and mental health. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Remember, you cannot pour from an empty glass. Make sure your needs are being fulfilled also before you devote your energy to your children and your relationship. Help each other learn to better monitor your level of energy daily and slow down when you are feeling the need to recuperate.

Need help navigating the change? Contact a relationship therapist to work with you and your family.

The kids are finally out of the house. And even though you may have dreamed of this day while they were in their teenage years, being an empty nester may not be what you thought. It’s a weird transition. The house is quiet. You aren’t seeing your kids every day. And for the first time in years, it’s just you and your spouse.

As a couple, you are in this together. Use each other for support as you enter this new phase in your life. If you do not know where to start, try these tips and suggestions so that you can make this transition with love and growth.

Communicate.

Any transition can be uncomfortable. But don’t let these new feelings distance you from your partner. You have more time than ever to communicate and understand each other’s feelings at this time. Use it.

Just because you have been with your partner for a long time, does not mean you can completely predict their feelings in each new phase of your life. And if you are feeling lonely, confused, or anxious about the future, tell them. Use your partner as support. Find ways that the two of you can make this time about your relationship and starting a new phase together.

Make the Empty Nest Your Nest.

We’ve all heard the cliché about parents turning their kids’ rooms into home gyms and office spaces after they’ve moved out. But it’s a cliché for a reason. The reality is, remodeling and redoing the spaces in your house gives you and your spouse a project to work on while you are sitting at home and missing your busy family life. Plus, you get to create something together that both of you can use and enjoy.

Your kids may be a little confused when they come home to visit. But they’ll be glad to know that their room is now dedicated to something that makes you happy. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to lose out on the sleeping space so they can stay over from time-to-time. Simply get something like a futon or air mattress that can be easily put away or has a secondary use that fits your new room.

Have More Date Nights.

With kids in the house, planning date nights is often a huge endeavor that may involve planning weeks ahead, getting sitters, and more. But now you’re not held back from each other any longer.

You don’t have to plan food around your children, so make mealtime with your partner special. Plan empty nest date nights. Rent a movie. Cook each other a special meal. Set up a “spa treatment” in your living room. Your nest is now a place solely dedicated to you, your partner, and your relationship. And, of course, you now have more freedom to actually leave your nest together for a bit of romance as well. Take advantage of it!

Get Out and Get Moving.

Finding a hobby, exercise routine, or class that will get you and your partner moving is a great way to learn something new, improve your health, or simply have a nice time out of the house.

Whether you and your spouse find a project, hobby, or a new focus on falling in love, encourage each other. These are your golden years; make them shine!

Need help? Talk to a relationship therapist in Delaware.

We grow every day by shifting our perspective and learning new things. One of the most fulfilling benefits of being in a relationship is growing and changing with your partner.

There are many ways that you will go through this process automatically, but if you would like to be more active, taking a class with your partner is a wonderful way to form a unique bond, create fun memories, and even inspire future date nights with your partner.

What are some examples of classes that may be fun to experience together?

Take a foreign language class. A new language will give you an additional way to express your love for your partner, and it may just inspire the destination for a future romantic vacation. Look for classes in French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian; these four are considered the “romance languages.”

Learn American Sign Language. Have young children and no time for an exotic vacation? “Sign” up for sign language classes – your whole family can get involved! Babies as young as six months old can learn and communicate through sign language, so if you have a very young family member, seek out Baby Signing Classes that utilize ASL. Learning sign language together will help every member of your family communicate more effectively.

Enjoy cooking classes. Courses that teach you how to cook can be the perfect setting for a fun date night out – plus, they provide a good excuse for future date nights in! Get close to your partner in the kitchen and learn a new dish for parties, potlucks, or a romantic evening at home. Learning exotic dishes will also help you immerse yourself in a new culture and take a sort of mini-vacation – without having to go through a security check!

Let your inner Picasso out. Art classes provide many different ways to get creative and add a personal piece of art to your home. Find a medium that interests both of you: painting, sculpting, pottery, and so on. You can also consider “painting and wine” classes that couple learning with sharing a class of vino! Even if you’re not the next Picasso, you and your partner can use the opportunity to loosen up and laugh at each other’s creations.

Let’s get physical! Taking a class can engage way more than your brain. By learning a new sport or unique form of exercise with your partner, both of you can get your muscles moving and your endorphins pumping! Browse through classes at your local gym, community center, or YMCA. Martial arts, capoeira, massage, or yoga can give you and your partner a new perspective on activities and exercising around the world.

Cut a rug. Speaking of getting physical, one of the best “couples’ learning” experiences has to be taking a dance class. Impress all of your friends and family members at the next wedding or party with a fun ballroom, tango, or salsa routine. Dancing also allows you and your partner to get intimate while having fun and learning something new. It can even help to spice up your love life!

These are just a few possibilities. Browse through listings in your area to find something that appeals to you or your partner. Have an open mind, and be willing to take a leap and try something totally different.

Learning new things with your partner can stimulate your mind, growth, and relationship.