Last week I restarted my in-home daycare. I typically do not take any time off; however, I had a teacher's child that does not need summer care and COVID-19 pretty much threw a wrench in the rest of my lineup.

After careful consideration, I changed my daycare hours from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. I have only endured this change and its benefits for one week, but Lord almighty what a difference! I am waking up at 5 a.m. to do my daily 10k so that I can be back and ready for the day before 7. Prior to this, I was waking up at 4 or 4:30 a.m. to get my workouts in. My brain and body were starting to feel the fatigue.

I never really realized how much of a break daycare providers need until I finally took one. This summer has been a blessing in so many ways, with more time with my children, family and more quality time all around. It has truly been a wonderful summer, one that I can't believe is already coming to an end.

But as one door of disorderly summer closes, the crisp fall-like air swings open a new door to a season of structure that is calming and exciting.

Having a routine and schedule with my children and daycare children is so important and refreshing after having a fairly whimsical summer off. Knowing the children have headed into a school year with structure and routine – albeit different than years before – is reassuring and both hopeful to their souls and mine.

There is a lot to be said for fun, adventure and whimsy. We look forward to holding fast to that flare and charisma of freedom in fun, yet look forward to a bit more routine in scheduling as well.

As Clay Central/Everly embarks on a new school year, I want to wish the teachers, staff, administration, school board, students and families a very blessed, enriching, safe, healthy, fun and comforting school year. May this year be differently charted, yet comfortingly familiar in every good way.

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.