Summer is sadly coming to its inevitable end therefore returning to every kid’s worst nightmare, time to go back to school. This transition from fun in the sun to work and structure can be a challenge and stressful time for the entire family, but it doesn’t have to be!
As we prepare for a new year, here are six tips to prepare for a successful transition back to school for both you and your child(ren):
Finding the groove again
As parents, we can be more lenient with the rules over the summer, so getting back into the swing of things can be hard. Starting a schedule 1-2 weeks before the beginning of the school year can help get your kids ready for the transition into more structure. Go back to the earlier bedtimes and wake-up hours just like they normally would during the school year. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at regular times and get dressed first thing in the morning. This way when it’s time to go back, it’s smooth sailing right back into their daily routine.
Visit the new school
Some kids might be moving up to a new school this year. That could be scary for anyone! To help take some of their anxiety away, try setting up a meet and greet with your child’s new teacher. You could also schedule a tour of their new school. Arrange a playdate with some of your kiddo’s classmates, possibly at the new school if they have a playground. This way they can get reacquainted with friends before school starts. Also, when they walk in on the first day, they’ll see a familiar face. If you have an older kid, take a drive to the new school for them to look at the grounds and get used to their new commute.
Back-to-school shopping
Shopping for new clothes and school supplies is not everyone’s favorite thing to do. Make it fun by letting them pick out their own gear this year. Now, they are getting what they like and you’re learning your kid’s style likes and dislikes. If online shopping is more your kid’s speed, let them create a wish list and the two of you can add items to the cart and check out together.
Mom tip: Get your hands on your child’s school supply list as soon as it becomes available to you. This way you can get whatever character your kid is into this year, you don’t have to worry about items selling out, and you’re not frantically shopping right before the beginning of a new school year. Stores also switch their seasonal items every year, so shopping early will avoid these problems.
Talk about the first-day jitters
Getting nervous or anxious about the first day of anything is completely normal. Letting your child express themselves on whatever feelings they may be having is a great way to validate their emotions. Whether it comes out as tears, a tantrum, anger, or an attitude, let them feel what they are feeling however they need to feel it. It’s important that we listen to our kids so that we can figure out the best way to help them combat their fears. While speaking to them, try avoiding phrases like “there’s nothing to worry about” and “it will be fine” or anything else that might make them feel like their feelings aren’t justified.
Mom tip: Have them pick out their outfit for school and pack their backpack the night before. This way, if they need some extra time for emotional support in the morning, it is available.
Make that first-day extra special
The first day of school isn’t just any other day, so let’s treat it like we would all those other special occasions. Make your kid their favorite breakfast and play some upbeat music while you eat. Take them to their favorite donut shop after school or out to their favorite restaurant for dinner. This is a great opportunity to ask them if anything interesting happened at school while also celebrating the end of day one.
Be their biggest cheerleader
Simple yet effective. Let your child know how proud you are of them and share some words of encouragement. “I believe in you,” “You got this,” and “You are capable, smart, and strong.” These are just a few examples of some positive phrases you could use. Give them as many hugs and kisses as they are willing to take from you. Being a reliable support system can leave a lasting impact.
Going back to school doesn’t have to be such a shock to our kids’ systems. If we work with them and our busy schedules ahead of time, we can help prepare them for a successful transition back to school.
