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8 Friday, August 30, 2024brooklintowncrier.com One Saturday this summer, I watched my husband and daughter drive away. For the first time, they were going on vacation without me. My job allows me little vacation time while my husband gets four times what I get. So while they were headed off on a New York City trip, I stayed behind and worked. It was a special trip just for them as they could bond and would make special memories only they could share, a great time for them to do this. Our teenager is now 15, young enough to still like being with her parents but old enough to enjoy and appreciate history and culture. I tried hard to see this as a positive thing and considered the benefits for me. I could do what I wanted. My house would stay clean and I had a girls night, hair appointment and some shopping planned. I'd also have time to go to the gym every day. "Me" time is valued. Still, I missed them. So did the dog. And, honestly, I felt left out. An incoming Facetime call and they were smiling. My daughter panned the camera around to show me the Statue of Liberty and shared facts like she was doing a TV documentary. I laughed and for a moment I was there with them. After they hung up, I called my dad. Since my mom moved to a long-term care facility, I knew he was lonely. I shared my feelings on being left out and he reminded me of a few sports trips he and I did when I was a kid. He transported me back to a visit to Washington, D.C., when my soccer team was eliminated from a tournament. Dad and I saw the sights and museums. I still have souvenirs from that trip. He joked about a funny incident from it and we were both laughing at the memory. It was then I realized just how important it was that I wasn't on the trip with my family. My daughter and I have done trips with Dad, but not them without me. The changed dynamics were in play and they would learn so much about each other. Suddenly I was okay with being left behind. Then I wondered...maybe I should have booked some spa time, too. Brooklin Family Matters: Getting "me" time by Leanne Brown Dear Premier Ford: Thank you for the hospital! It was the right thing to do and you did it. Which brings us to our next major need: the 407 tolls. Brooklin, in fact the entire north end of Whitby, is a transportation mess. The original offer still holds: The BTC editor will treat you to the beverage of your choice along with a tasty whatever else when you next visit us and explore the mess. (NOTE: It will not be a tax reduction for him.) Angela Rouette ARCT, RMT Teacher of Piano & Rudiments Brooklin 905-655-6158 angela.rouette@gmail.com Accepting New Students Direct: 905 655 7236 Office: 905 239 4800 Eleanor KingEleanor King B. N. B. N. RealtorRealtor Maurice KingMaurice King B.E.D.S., B.Arch.B.E.D.S., B.Arch. RealtorRealtor What others are saying... Want to know what's happening in the market? Want to Know the Value of your House? Call Us Now! 905.655.7236 There is no cost or obligation! Your Trusted Source to Buy, Sell or Invest! 905.655.7236 view 1000's of Homes for sale at KingHomeTeam.com or KingOfBrooklin.com MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT IS WORTH! Live in Upper Unit, Rent Lower Townhouse Pre-Construction Sale! **Photo similar to house being built Not intended to solicit those under contract. TAMING BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHAOS If back to school means back to chaos for your family, you're hardly alone. But starting the year with helpful habits you can stick with can ease stressful mornings and help set your kids up for academic success. Establishing routines is an important first step. The night before, for example, check the next day's weather forecast and lay out appropriate clothes. Pack lunches, organize school bags and place them close to the door so they're easy to grab and go. Mapping out clear instructions for the night before, morning and after school in list form (or pictures or drawings for little ones) can help familiarize kids with routines and help foster independence. Invest in tools that work for each child. Visual learners may appreciate a bulletin board or white board, while creative learners might want to keep a journal and use colour-coded highlighters. Here are some other tips: Set up a designated drop zone in the entryway. Intall hooks at kids' height so each child can hang their coat, umbrella and schoolbag themselves. Use cubbies for shoes, boots, mittens and hats. Create a family 'command station' that includes a family calendar or schedule, chalkboard or white board for notes and reminders, trays or folders for school papers, hanging wall files for mail and other important paperwork, and key holders. Whether you use a large wall or digital family calendar, use it to keep track of school events, extracurricular activities and important deadlines. Colour code for each family member to easily identify their schedule. Depending on your children's ages, they may be able to help coordinate their own schedule. Ensuring each child has a comfortable homework station is important because comfort typically equates to productivity. But remember that productivity is personal so consider how each child works best. If one child needs stimulation or assistance staying on task, a workspace in the kitchen or shared living space might be just the ticket. If another needs quiet, create a homework station that's strategically located away from the hubbub. Help each child stay organized by using bins, binders, trays and other organizational tools to keep like items contained and prevent clutter from spreading. Finally, remember that the shift from summer vacation to back to school can be challenging. Discuss new routines and remember that a new school year often carries a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Listen to and validate your child's feelings. If they're attending a new school, find out if you can schedule a tour. Even visiting the schoolyard and walking into the building may help put them at ease about their first day. The theme of change is also playing out on the real estate front. Durham Region reported 779 sales with an average price of $915,636 in July. The number of sales increased 1.8 per cent, while the average price declined compared to July 2023, which saw 753 sales with an average price of $961,666, the Central Lakes Association of Realtors reports. With the cost of borrowing expected to decline further, The King Home Team: Royal Heritage Realty is expecting a busier fall market. Please contact us today to learn how you can prepare to list your home for sale when you're comfortable entering the market. Please visit our website at www.kinghometeam.com for a longer version of this article, including more information on the cost of borrowing expected to decline further. Search 1000's of Homes. Find SOLD details in your neighbourhood at search.Look4DurhamHomes.com Well Maintained 4 Bedroom Home 67 Matthewson Place Thinking of Making a Move? Call us for similar results! 905.409.6730 More New Build Bungalows Available! Quality Finishes! Loads of Extras For outstanding resultsCall 905-409-6730 Need local realtor to negotiate on your behalf?Call 905-409-6730 2 Left! Legal Duplex SOLD!