Getting in Back-to-School Mode
Reading Time:
Those lazy crazy days of summer are going to be over soon, and you know what that means—school will be starting again, and your family’s schedules are about to be turned upside down once again. You might think getting back into a more structured routine can be a challenge when school starts, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips that can make it easier.
Practice Makes Perfect
They won’t want to hear it, but remind your kids that school is starting soon, and it will be easier to get used to a new routine if they practice it now. Discuss bed times, wake-up times, activity schedules and when they will do their homework.
Speaking of Bedtime…
Two weeks before school starts, have kids go to bed at the bedtime they will have during the school year. This will help get them used to going to bed and waking up when they need to during the school year. Start small by having them go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night until they are going to bed at their school year bedtime. This will make the transition easier. The same goes for their bedtime routine—if that’s become a little lax over the summer, have them start their bedtime routine again, whether that includes taking a bath or shower, brushing their teeth and put their pajamas on, choosing their outfit for the next day, making their lunch, packing their backpack…whatever it is. Also, it’s not a bad idea to encourage them to read when they go to bed as part of their wind-down routine.
On the flip side, they will need to get used to getting up earlier. Try to find out ahead of time what their school and bus schedules are so you know what time they need to get up to get dressed, eat breakfast and get out the door. Similar to going to bed 15 minutes earlier until they are going to bed at the right time every night, start out by getting them up 15 minutes earlier each day until they are getting up when they need to by the time the first day of school rolls round. This might be easier if you give them a reason to get up, so give them a goal for the two weeks before school starts, like planning quick breakfasts, and maybe even plan lunches. Younger kids can even help make simple snacks if making breakfast or lunch is a bit too much too soon.
Set Up a Homework Zone
To get your kids a little more excited about doing their homework, help them create a designated “homework zone.” They might enjoy it more if you let them help design or set up the space. You might even suggest that they start reading daily for the last two weeks of summer (if you haven’t already) to test out the new study space. You can also have them think about what goals they have for the school year.
Go Shopping!
Some kids love shopping, some kids don’t. If your kids love it, take them with you to shop for their school supplies, whether that’s in a store or online. The same goes for school clothes.
Of course, every child is different, and people have different schedules and activities. Regardless, these tips should help ensure a smooth transition to the school year.
