Summer is a magical time for both children and parents. It’s a time to play all day, make new friends, see new places and explore the world on your own terms. It can be hard for kids and parents to transition from the lazy, unstructured days of summer into the back-to-school mindset.
Here are 5 surefire ways to ease that transition and ensure that both you and your child feel good about your back-to-school routine and get excited for the year ahead:
Back-to-school time can get hectic quickly for parents. Be sure to make a checklist of everything you need to do to ensure your child is set up for a happy, successful school year. Then, make it a priority to get those things done. Schedule any necessary medical appointments, go shopping for schools supplies and finish any required applications for afterschool care or school lunch programs before the school year kicks into high gear. Doing this will help you reduce your own stress around your child’s back-to-school time and will leave you more time and energy to focus on the thing that matters most – your kid!
Many children experience anxiety about going back to school. Help reduce their stress by keeping their routine simple for those first few weeks of school and being extra supportive. If possible, postpone business trips and late night meetings during those first few weeks so you can help your child as they adjust to their school routine. Let your child know that you are there for them by seeking out one-on-one time with them every day to talk about what they are doing at school and how they are feeling. Spending this extra alone time with your child, especially during the first few weeks of school, will help your child feel secure and loved even if they are feeling uneasy about their new routine.
Summer is the time for late night ice cream and exotic vacation treats! Help your child get back into a school time mindset by embracing healthy, regular meals again. Swap out the ice cream for fruit or yogurt and have healthy snacks ready for an after school treat. Eating healthy will not only help it feel like school time again, but it will also provide your little scholar with the fuel they need to do well in class!
After school activities can help kids make new friends and improve their academic performance. Look into the programs offered by your child’s school and in the local community, and try to find ones that will be fun, aid in social development and teach skills. Is your child curious about chess? Interested in music? Do they love to play sports? Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to help your child explore something new in an environment that’s safe, fun and educational!
When your kids are used to 24/7 play time, the shift back to a structured school day routine can be tough. To help your child make the transition, ease them into their new routine and be patient with them until they’ve fully adjusted. Start their bedtime routine 10 minutes earlier each night to get them used to an earlier bedtime, slowly increase the ratio of healthy snacks to junk food and spend a little extra time saying goodbye with them at school drop-offs. If/when they have an emotional meltdown or throw a tantrum, as many young children do in their first weeks back at school, be patient. Continue helping them with the transition and know that they will adjust to their new routine soon.
Going back to school can be a stressful time for kids. Following these tips and maintaining a positive attitude will go a long way towards helping your children start the school year with confidence!
