As the days grow shorter and cooler, it’s that time of the year once more. Back to school! Wait what? Is it August already?
Summer is usually when parents and children ease back on their busy schedules. Kids are going to bed late, sleeping in, and running around in flip-flops. After all the fun and games, it can be quite a shock to realize that school is about to start!
The transition to school schedules is hard on kids and their parents too. Rather than wait until the last day, plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Here are a few tips to help you and your child get back into the school routine.
Reestablish old routines
If this is your child’s first year at school, it’s a good idea to set up routines early on. If your children are going back to school, reestablish old routine once again.
Go to Bed and Eat at School Times
Over the long summer days, kids go to bed later than usual. This can make it hard to wake up on time for the school bus. Get your kids to go to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier than usual until you get back to school routines. A gradual change is easier to manage for everyone.
Similarly, try to have meals at approximately the same time they would eat during school. You can even set up a table just for them, so they get used to eating without you. Instead of pizza or other holiday meals, serve food they’re likely to eat at school or find in their lunch bag.
Set a Time for Homework and Play
Homework can come as quite a shock for kids after the long and enjoyable summer days. One way to avoid this is to have a set time for homework even before going back to school. Review school lessons and read from books during this time. It will get them used to sitting quietly and studying for sometime during the day.
Back to school means watching the clock. Schedule activities around their usual play times during school days. In short, the last few days of summer are the best time to ease your way back into school routines.
Shop for School Supplies
One of the most exciting things about going back to school is new supplies. Most schools have a school supply list on their website or will mail you one. Take the kids along when you go shopping for back-to-school supplies. Help them select items like a new backpack or lunchbox. Buy a pack of their favorite set of crayons or pencils. Kids are more likely to take good care of their stuff if they like it! You can even get them one or two small items as a fun treat even if it’s not on the school supply list.
Revamp Their Space
Rearrange furniture or buy a new desk/chair for their room. A new coat of paint or rug can do wonders for a child’s room. It’s a great way to get them excited for the coming school year too. If your child has grown out of their old furniture, it’s a good idea to upgrade their crib for a junior bed or their changing table for a desk!
Set up a home workstation in one corner of the room. Keep all school-related supplies such as pencils, notebooks, school papers, etc. in the same place. That way the kids are not searching for an eraser or a pencil when they need one.
Get Ready for the First Day of School!
The weekend before school starts is a good time to get ready for the first week of school. Gather all their supplies like backpacks, lunch bags, and school supplies in one place. Check that they have all items from their school lists. Help them pick out an outfit for school as well.
If your child is starting a new grade or a school, the first day can be intimidating. If possible, take them to school and visit their classroom/teacher. Knowing where to go on the first day can ease their nervousness. Emphasize the positives of going back to school like meeting friends and fun activities.
Make an appointment for your children with their pediatrician. Are the kids up to date on their shots and medicines? Ask the doctor for tips on how to keep your children healthy during the year.
And finally, don’t forget to take pictures! Start or continue the tradition of taking pictures on the first day of school. Show your children that you’re proud of them and make it a special day for everyone. You can also print it out and hang it on the fridge. It’s a wonderful keepsake of an exciting day for your kids!