6 Tips For a Smooth Back to School Transition
Adjusting to the first couple of weeks of school in the Fall can be hectic. Here are six tips to make the transition easier for the whole family.
1. Start practicing bedtime and breakfast roll call the week before school.
This will eliminate the first couple weeks of school morning-tug- of-war. Your children will know what is expected, and their bodies should have adjusted their internal clock by the first day of school, to wake up on time out of habit. Decide what bedtime is appropriate for each of their age groups, and what time everyone must be up by to account for showers, getting dressed, eating and brushing teeth. Practicing the week before allows for trial and error to get it just right.
2. Get your young in the habit of picking out their outfits the night before.
Time can be quickly lost looking for lost socks or a clean shirt last minute. When outfits are chosen the night before and there is a need of something for the next day, you know about it and can prepare.
3. Make sure everyone eats a good breakfast.
The age old adage “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” still rings true. A nutritious breakfast does more than just feed and fuel a hungry belly. It helps maintain blood sugar levels, which is crucial for concentration and a healthy weight. Depending on your child’s schedule and how long the drive to school is, it may be a long time before a morning snack or lunch break.
4. Set the expectation for when the bus is leaving.
If you drive your little or big loves to school, let them know when you will be pulling out. Everyone is expected to be in the car and buckled in by that time. Be sure to set the example by being in the driving seat at the selected time. Parents can make kids late too!
5. When school gets out, let them play!
No matter what age, your offspring need a breather from school. When they arrive home, give them at least an hour to do whatever they want, within the bounds of your household rules. Encourage your kids to go outside, kick a ball around or just run crazy in the yard to get their juices flowing again. This gives them a feeling of control of a little piece of their day.
6. Homework time is community time.
Setting a time for homework that works for your family, when and where you can be present is important. This solves the problem of forgetting to check with each child if they did their homework.
Example: Schedule homework time for dinner prep time. Your progeniture can work on their homework around the table and ask you or other siblings any questions they may have.
We hope these tips help make your back to school transition smoother, allowing your family a little extra time to engage with each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
