Summer’s winding down, and the new school year is approaching. As the excitement for learning and reunions with friends bubbles over, transitioning from lazy days to a back-to-school schedule can be tricky for you and your child.
Preparing children for school after summer break provides direction and fosters a positive attitude toward returning. It sets the stage for a successful year.
Take proactive steps to ease the adjustment before the school bell rings. Start by gradually reintroducing a bit of order into your kid’s day. Structure helps children get used to following a schedule, making them feel secure because they know what to expect.
Implement a consistent routine a few weeks before day one of school. It should include regular meal times, study periods and playtime. This will enable your child to begin adapting to working under the clock.
Take inventory of what your children need for the new year and make a list. Go shopping together and make it a fun adventure. This will ensure they have everything they need and help get them excited about returning to school after summer.
Summer nights are often filled with late-night campfires, family game nights and movie marathons, which can lead to irregular sleep patterns. Help children get back on track by adjusting their sleep schedules gradually.
Tuck them in earlier by 15 minutes each night until you reach the desired bedtime. Children under 12 need a minimum of nine hours of sleep. Teens and older kids tend to stay up later, so more effort and encouragement are necessary to help them get at least eight hours of shuteye. Remove all distractions from the bedroom to create a conducive sleep environment.
It’s never too early to plan lunch box meals and snacks. Discuss healthy choices with your children and find out their favorites. Stock up on ingredients you’ll need and prepare meals you can freeze. It will make things easier during hectic mornings.
Contact the school before it officially opens and inquire about orientation day. Book a session to familiarize yourself with the building’s layout, meet educators and understand daily routines. Meeting teachers before the first day helps build rapport and makes returning less intimidating, reducing students' anxiety. You’ll also learn about the curriculum, school policies and after-school programs to help prepare your child mentally.
Maintaining open communication channels with educators and school administrators is vital, particularly if your child has functional needs. Students with special needs often have individualized education programs that may change from year to year. Reaching out to the institution before the new school term keeps you up to date with these changes. Your child’s teacher will also provide tips you can use to prepare your student for the first day.
Discuss specific anxieties about school with teachers, who can offer tailored coping strategies. This enables you and the institution to make necessary accommodations to support the child.
After the relaxed pace of summer, the brain needs to shift gears into academic mode. Schedule regular trips to the library, hold reading sessions and help your kids explore educational material online. Reestablishing study habits helps students regain focus and discipline. They’ll have an easier time getting back into the rhythm of schoolwork, helping them tackle assignments and absorb new material.
Designate a comfortable study area that is quiet, organized and free of distractions for personal reading and homework. Encourage your kids to use this space at a specific time to enhance their time management skills. This will help them relearn how to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities and personal time.
Getting back into a study routine that resembles the regular school schedule a few weeks before the first day prepares kids for a successful year. They become more confident in their academic abilities, alleviating anxiety about returning to the classroom. Children who see their parents invest in their education feel valued and supported, further motivating them to succeed.
Discuss the upcoming year with your children, especially if they are preschoolers. Talk about what they can expect and address their concerns. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous. Highlighting the positives of returning to learning makes returning to school after summer easier.
Set realistic goals for the upcoming school term and explore how your child can achieve them. Involve them in the process to provide a sense of ownership and responsibility. This will give them purpose and motivate them to work hard when they return to class.
The right mindset significantly affects how your child approaches going back to school after the summer. Keep mentioning that it is an exciting opportunity to make new friends, learn new things and participate in fun activities.
Set an example by maintaining a positive attitude yourself. Children mirror their parents’ behaviors and values, so staying optimistic can help them feel more confident about going back to school. If you’re stressed over summer coming to an end, your kids will notice and are likely to develop stress and anxiety themselves.
Above all, celebrate small achievements along the way. Recognizing your child’s efforts and successes — no matter how small — boosts their confidence and motivation.
Support your child throughout the transition period. Regular check-ins allow you to identify and address issues early and adjust your strategies.
Be on the lookout for signs of stress. Regularly ask your child how they feel and if they need help adjusting their routine. If your kid seems anxious or overwhelmed, provide practical solutions to recognize triggers and alleviate issues. Support them in talking openly about their worries or practicing deep breathing exercises. Seek professional help if needed. This is particularly important if your child has special needs.
Planning and positive reinforcement can make transitioning back to school after summer smooth and successful. Understand that it may take time for your child to adjust to the new routine fully, so be patient and offer support as they navigate this change.
You and your child are a team. By working together, you can create a workable back-to-school transition.
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Jack Shaw
Author