The end of summer is upon us and soon your child will return to school! Whether this excites or worries you, back to school season is full of transitions. These transitions can be tough on the whole family. With a little thoughtfulness and preparation, the first few weeks of school can be easier for your child and yourself. Here are some simple - yet essential - tips to help get you back to school ready.

Set Routines

While summer can be relaxing and schedule-free, it is important to gradually get back to a normal routine before returning to school.

Sleep

Ensuring your child will be well-rested is critical to their ability to develop, learn, and pay attention while at school. Around two weeks before the start of school, gradually adjust their sleep schedule to help make the transition smoother. Preschoolers typically require 10-12 hours of sleep while older children benefit from 8-10 hours. Start waking your child closer to the time they will wake up for school. For older children, make sure they are setting their alarms to wake up independently. Setting up a relaxing bedtime routine with reading, singing, and bathing can help improve your child’s quality of sleep.

Morning

Practicing a consistent morning routine can help make hectic mornings a little less crazy. Make sure children know what they are expected to do before they get out the door. For example, they should get dressed, brush their teeth, eat breakfast, and get their school supplies. Preparing the night before can be beneficial to calm the crazy! Set out clothes, meal prep, and pack backpacks so they are ready to grab and go.

Homework

Having a set time and area to complete homework will assist in getting work done with less of a fight. Set up the area during the summer and make sure your child has input! This will help them feel more comfortable completing their work. Make sure it is quiet and organized for optimal work output.

Get Organized

School Supplies

Gather necessary school supplies for the school year before the first day. Most schools will provide specific lists of needed items close to the start of school. Shop in advance to make sure all required materials are available. Your community might even have back-to-school events that will have free school supplies. Help your child pick out their own backpack and other supplies. This can help build excitement to go back to school! It may also provide a sense of ownership and responsibility to help with lost items. Always make sure supplies are labeled, just in case.

Calendar

Review the school calendar to prepare for important dates and days off from school. Make sure these dates are added to your family calendar to avoid any confusion. Add any assignment due dates and extracurricular activities to this calendar as the year goes on. There are many apps and digital calendar options to help make the calendar more accessible for all family members.

Talk About Stressors

Validate Feelings

The unknowns of returning to school can be stressful for everyone involved. Make sure you and your family have open conversations about what to expect and your child’s feelings about returning to school. Both positive and negative emotions should be discussed. Validate any expression of fear or anxiety and be an active listener for all concerns your child may have. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and remind your child of the positives of school! School has many fun aspects such as seeing old friends, making new friends, learning new things, and participating in different sports or activities. Remember, children often mirror the adults around them. Parents should try to manage stressors and model healthy coping strategies when dealing with back-to-school stress.

Let Them Help!

Try to involve your child in decisions when possible. Would they rather ride the bus or walk to school? Would they prefer hot or cold lunch? Having your child take part in decision-making can help them feel like they have some control over a new or stressful situation.

Set Goals

Take a moment for your child to set some goals for the upcoming school year. They can work to improve their grade in a certain subject, join a new club, or to get more organized. Having something to work towards always helps boost productivity.

Back to school can be a mix of emotions! Children can feel excited, scared, worried, and happy — all at the same time. Preparation is key to start the school year confidentiality. Hopefully, these tips help make this the best school year ever!