It’s almost that time…. back to school time!!
For some children, going back to school brings anticipation, joy, and happiness. For other children, going back to school brings dread, worry, and fear.
Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structure and demands of school can be a challenging time for both parents and their children.
However, with the right strategies and preparations, you can help ensure a smooth and successful transition. In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite tips and advice to help you and your child navigate the back-to-school season with confidence and ease.
- Establish a Routine: One of the most effective ways to prepare your child for the upcoming school year is to establish a consistent routine. Gradually reintroduce school year bedtimes and wake-up times to help them readjust their internal clocks. It can be helpful to set bedtimes back 15 minutes at a time until you reach the desired bedtime. Setting bedtime back too quickly will lead to sleepless nights and tossing and turning for your little one.
As you start establishing your routine, begin by implementing a daily schedule that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, meals, and relaxation. Consistency is key, as it helps children feel secure and understand what is expected of them.
- Reintroduce Learning Activities: To help your child ease back into an academic mindset, gradually reintroduce learning activities during the summer break.
Encourage reading, engage in educational games, and provide opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving. This will help them maintain their academic skills and prevent the summer slide, making the transition to school smoother.
- Prepare Supplies and Organize: Before school starts, make a checklist of all the necessary supplies your child will need. Involve your child in the process of choosing and purchasing school supplies, which can increase their excitement and sense of ownership.
Additionally, help your child organize their backpack, label their belongings, and set up a designated study area at home. Being prepared and organized will save time and reduce stress throughout the school year.
- Communicate with Teachers: Building a positive relationship with your child’s teachers is crucial for your child’s success. Attend any back-to-school nights or parent-teacher conferences to introduce yourself and learn about the expectations for the year.
Maintain open lines of communication throughout the year to address any concerns or questions promptly. Regular communication with teachers will allow you to stay informed about your child’s progress and help you support their educational journey effectively.
I have found that if you have a child with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Section 504 plan (504), it can be helpful to let your child’s teacher know that before the start of the school year year. While there are case managers for IEPs and 504 coordinators, sometimes it takes a few days for them to communicate with your child’s teacher amid all of the back-to-school rush. You are your child’s best advocate and know what they need.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote good physical and mental health habits to ensure your child’s overall well-being. Encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep to support your child’s energy levels, concentration, and overall health. Talk to your child about managing stress, setting realistic goals, and practicing self-care. A healthy child is better equipped to handle the challenges (and new germs… haha!) of the school year.
- Manage Transition Anxiety: For some children, transitioning back to school can be anxiety-inducing. Talk to your child about any concerns they may have and address them with empathy and reassurance.
Visit the school with your child before the first day to familiarize them with the environment and meet their teachers if possible. Encourage them to reconnect with friends and participate in school activities to foster a sense of belonging.
It can be helpful to create a calendar or countdown with your child to indicate how much more time is left until school starts. Make the countdown a fun time, and have your child choose the color or sticker to use to mark off each day. Remind your child how much fun they will have and the new friends they will meet.
Many schools also will offer a back-to-school orientation where you can meet the teacher, get school calendars, and learn more about the school. Take advantage of these opportunities if you can!
- Foster Independence: As children grow, it is essential to foster independence and responsibility. Encourage your child to take ownership of their school responsibilities, such as packing their backpack, completing homework, and organizing their assignments. This not only builds confidence but also helps them develop important life skills.
- The night before the first day of school: Make sure that the backpack is packed, first day of school clothes are selected and laid out, and lunch is packed or lunch money is ready.
There are some really sweet books to read with your child to help easy any worries about being away from parents or caregivers. One of my favorites is the Kissing Hand book. Full disclosure, I am an Amazon affiliate and may earn a commission on any products you purchase from my links. I ONLY link what I have and LOVE.
If you are a parent who likes to take a first day of school photo, prepare the sign that you will use in the pictures in the morning. - Ease the first day back transition: If your child is anxious and clingy to you the first day back to school, reassure them that it is ok to feel nervous, and remind them that this feeling will pass.
When taking your child to drop off at school or at their class, it is important to stay calm and neutral, give a quick hug/ high five/ or kiss, and leave. Your child’s teacher will be able to continue to help with the transition to class. Trust me, I know that it feels super crummy to leave when your child is crying or upset. However, staying often prolongs the crying, and can increase your child’s anxiety.
Feel free to let the teacher know that if they need you they can call you by phone later in the day if your child is inconsolable. Most likely, your child will regale you with stories about their exciting and wonderful first day of school when you pick them up 🙂
Back to School Adjustments
By following these tips, you can support your child’s smooth transition back to school. Remember to be patient and understanding, as the adjustment period may vary for each child.
With consistent routines, open communication, and a supportive environment, you can set your child up for a successful and fulfilling academic year. Embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing that you are providing the guidance and support your child needs to thrive.
You’ve got this! Let me know if I can help with anything 🙂
