It’s August, time for our kids (and teachers) to get ready to return to school. Even if your children are excited to begin school, it is typically a big adjustment for everyone. Getting back into the school routine can be difficult, especially after a relaxed summer schedule. Parents, you can assist your children and manage the increased pace by planning ahead, being realistic, and maintaining a consistent, structured schedule until school begins.
The new school year requires changes, which can be difficult for kids, especially for the younger ones. School-aged children who are sensitive or have anxiety issues or developmental delays may need more time to adjust than others. In order to alleviate discomfort and make the transitions easier, I suggest that parents talk to their children about the upcoming school year, the new teachers, and the excitement of making new friends. This type of dialogue is helpful to learn about your kids’ feelings so that you are able to understand their fears and help them move ahead in a positive, nonjudgmental way. Your reaction and response can assist your child in setting realistic goals and reducing internal concern. The conversations will open doors for future interactions.
Getting kids back on the early-morning wake-up routine can be extremely difficult, especially for teens and preteens. An idea that works well in establishing school protocol is to begin having them back into the habit of going to bed earlier and waking up earlier about a week before school starts. This slow change allows them time to adjust so that they are more comfortable and school-ready. It also helps to create a morning schedule in order to keep kids on track. Helping children by practicing the before-school behaviors of getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast in a timely manner can help manage mornings in order to avoid stress and tempers. Establishing afternoon and evening schedules ensures that there will be time for homework, screen time, play, baths/showers, dinner, and bedtime. One of our many jobs as parents is to help our children adjust to new routines and to accept responsibility, in age-appropriate ways. A consistent bedtime routine helps to ensure a good night’s rest, which is important in having productive and happy school days.
Another great way to ensure success is to help your kids plan ahead. Encourage them to organize clothing, backpacks, and even lunch before going to bed. This way, an extra minute or two of snoozing eliminates a mad dash around the house and the chance of forgetting something important. I also strongly recommend avoiding screen time before school because it distracts kids from their routines and responsibilities. It also encourages children to stay calm and focused. Once your routine is established, you can slowly make concessions and allow some screen time. However, I would encourage you to save screen activities for after school.
Planning ahead for parents is also helpful as it encourages you to think about what meals you want to serve your family. Planning meals that are healthy and easy to prepare works because kids and families are going to be tired throughout the first few weeks back.
Establishing homework time and a designated place for kids to do their homework is also really helpful. Children thrive with structure and routine, so making sure they know what the expectations are in the afternoon is key to success. Having a set place to do homework, and knowing that they can play afterward, provides kids with the motivation to complete their work earlier in the afternoon.
Overall, it’s an exciting time of year, but also one that can be difficult to adjust to. Having a plan in place to help yourself and your family get prepared for the new school year is the key to less stress and less anxiety for all.