It’s that time of year, parents—new school year, new teachers, and new daily routines.
We know it can be difficult getting back into the swing of things after a long, adventurous summer, so we want to help make it just a *little* bit easier with some tips for the Back to School transition.
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Create a schedule. It’s easier to remember dates, times, and activities if you take the time to write it down! Try to create it for a few weeks in advance and display it for everyone in the house to see (on the fridge, on the kitchen wall) Include after school activities, pick-up/drop-off schedules, family events, etc. The transition will be a lot simpler if you’re all on the same schedule.
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Establish an evening routine. One of the most challenging parts of getting into school “mode” is adjusting your child’s sleep schedule. Decide what time your child needs to wake up in the morning and plan your evening around that. Keep in mind that it’s always best if children get 9-10 hours of sleep every night (8 hours, minimum.) If your child must be up by 7am, try to have them ready for bed by 8:30pm—this gives them 30-45 minutes to relax and unwind before falling asleep.
- Limit electronics after a specific time. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “TVs, tablets, smartphones, laptops, or other electronic devices before bed delays your body’s internal clock, suppresses the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, and makes it more difficult to fall asleep. This is largely due to the short-wavelength, artificial blue light that’s emitted by these devices. The more electronic devices that a person uses in the evening, the harder it is to fall asleep or stay asleep.” Try to turn off electronics a few hours before bed, if possible. And remember, reading before bed is a great habit to start at a young age!
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Establish a morning routine. A morning routine is just as important as an evening routine and can be just as difficult to get back to after summer break. Try making a morning playlist to get you and the kids motivated to take on the day! It might also benefit children to make a “to-do” list (at least at the start of the school year) to help them remember morning duties. This can include making their bed, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, etc.
Don’t forget that it is essential to enjoy a healthy breakfast. Try to get in the habit of serving protein first thing in the morning—scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, or peanut butter toast are all good options. (Here’s a list of some creative breakfasts that you may want to try!)
- Designate specific “zones” in your home. We’ve all been in the situation where we’re late for school because kids can’t find something they just had yesterday. Establishing “zones” in your home and sticking to them can help you avoid these situations! Designate a specific place for everything including lunch boxes, homework, and backpacks. Check these areas before bedtime to make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be!
We hope this list helps to make this school year your best ever, and don’t forget to share any tips that have worked for YOU in the past!
