While summer temps may still be on the rise, back to school season will be here sooner than you think. Getting prepared for this transition as a family can help make the return to school a success and reduce the stress that both you and your children may feel at this time of year.
Our Suggestions for a Smoother Back to School Season
Heading back to school can be somewhat nerve-wracking as well as very exciting for young children. And while you won’t be the one getting settled in a new classroom with new classmates, this time may also bring adjustments to your schedule and daily rhythm that need to be accommodated.
Fortunately, there are a few things your family can do to make all these changes easier on everyone. Check out our tips below to help you start getting ready before summer flies by!
1. Get on a wake-up schedule.
For many children, sleeping in is one of the joys of summer. However, if they are allowed to sleep in right up until the first day of school, they’re in for a rude awakening. Have them start setting an alarm, slowly moving the wake-up time earlier and earlier until it’s accurate with the demands of the school schedule. That way, your child’s body can get used to this new change over time.
2. Make a healthy breakfast part of the routine.
Whether your child is in the habit of skipping breakfast in the summer or reaches for sugary cereals, neither of these options will lend themselves to productive school mornings. Brainstorm some healthy and convenient breakfast options together and start stocking the kitchen with the fuel they need to stay awake and alert until lunch time.
3. Set up a dedicated homework space.
Ensure your child has a homework-friendly environment to work in, whether that’s a tidy desk in their bedroom or a workspace in another area of the home. This space should be quiet and free of distractions to allow for focused study time. To help your child get excited about using their new space, consider getting them involved in buying the furniture they will be using or creating a mood board to place above the desk.
4. Implement screen-free time in the afternoons.
Your children will have an easier time getting into the homework groove in the afternoons if they are already used to having a window of screen-free time during this part of the day. They can use this time for a learning-driven activity, such as reading a book, or you could even play a word game together, such as Scrabble, to help get their minds engaged in an academic manner.
5. Gradually move to an earlier bedtime.
Your morning routine is only as good as your bedtime routine. In other words, if your children aren’t going to bed with enough time to get all the shut-eye they need to feel rested, it will be more of a struggle to wake up and get going in the morning. Everyone knows how impossible it can feel to hit the sack early when you’ve been used to heading to bed late, so it’s best to gradually begin encouraging an earlier bedtime and create a quiet and dimly lit atmosphere in the home that fits this request.
6. Start setting out tomorrow’s clothes.
Planning the next day’s outfit is also a great step to include in your family’s bedtime routine. Having your child choose their outfit the night before and laying it out where it’s easy to reach can save huge chunks of time and prevent mornings from becoming frantic. It’s also a good idea to have backpacks packed and ready to go to avoid forgetting anything.
7. Talk about upcoming changes.
Whether your child is going to be taking the school bus for the first time or is moving to a new school, they may be particularly nervous about back to school season. It’s always a good idea to encourage your child to express their feelings about this change well before it’s set to happen to avoid having these emotions boil over closer to the big day.
Consider visiting the school over the summer to help your child get familiar with what they can expect, or ask a neighbor child who also takes the school bus to be your child’s guide during their first week. A little bit of planning ahead in these areas can make a big difference in whether your child feels anxious or excited for what lies ahead.
Whether your child is already eager to see their school friends or feels more hesitant about what the school year may bring, they may need your support to ensure they’re ready to take this adventure in stride. We hope you can use some of these tips to have a wonderful back to school season together!
