The summer months have come to a close and schools are all set to open up their hallways of knowledge. Beginning this new school year on the right foot can give your child’s confidence a boost and encourages academic and social excitement. While children are at the epicenter of the back to school transition, parents can do their part to keep up their kid’s spirit and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Sleep Smart
Getting to stay up past bedtime is one of the most exciting parts of a kid’s summer. So when it comes to getting back on a regular sleep schedule, kids may rebel in defiance. But the fact of the matter is that children need about 9 to 11 hours of quality sleep so that they can be properly prepared for school. After all, a tired mind is not ideal for learning.
In order to ensure that your child is well-rested, consider implementing a regulated schedule at least a week ahead of school starting. Assign a few prebedtime chores, such as reading, tidying up their room, or helping with the dishes. This will help establish a nighttime ritual that gets kids prepared for an earlier bed time after a summer of staying up late.
Routine Matters
Similar to bedtime, you will also have to establish a daytime routine for your kid. No matter if its waking up and getting ready or finishing homework on time, starting back at school may feel more restrictive compared to the freedoms of summer.
Sit down and explain to them why this change is necessary and how it will benefit them so that they do not see it as punishment. Wherever possible, make the process fun and exciting so that it can serve as a positive experience for your kid.
Reap the Rewards
The truth is that slipping into a back-to-school schedule isn’t always walk in the park. Implementing a reward system can prove to be extremely helpful in keeping them on track throughout the school year. Use stickers or treats to acknowledge star behavior, such as helping place the chair covers, cleaning your sectional covers, or clearing the table after dinner. When it comes to older kids, you can allow them to cash in their chore points for a small prize of their choice.
Lunch Done Right
When you’re the one in charge of making lunches for the school week, meal prepping can be a game-changer. Plan your child’s lunches in advance by getting the ingredients and containers prepared ahead of times. And if you have a chaotic morning ahead of you, get a head start by fixing the lunch the night before.
Supply and Demand
When it comes to picking up supplies, you’ll want to avoid any back-to-school shopping crowds. Consider purchasing their school supplies ahead of time, preferably 1-2 weeks in advance. Schools typically issue packets containing a list of all the supplies that your child will require in the school year. Make a point to save the receipts for all the purchases as there’s a chance your child may not end up using every item you buy.
Dinner is Served
Is your child feeling down about having to head back to school? Cheer them up with a their favorite meal! Head to your sustainable kitchen and whip up an appetizing dinner containing your kids’ favorites and serve it the night before the big day. It will lift their spirits, and who knows, might even get them looking forward to school!
After School Fun
Once the school day is over, what comes next? Talk with your kids to get an idea of what they would like to do past the school hours. Is there any club or sport they’re interested in? Or would they prefer to spend their afternoons pursuing hobbies at home? No matter what they choose, make a point to support them with plenty of enthusiasm for their new after school hobby.
Homework Made Happy
It’s a fact that homework may be the most dreaded part of heading back to school. But some planning on your end can make it bearable both for you and your child. Start by setting aside a designated study area. It should have all books and supplies at the ready and be free of distractions. If the weather permits, they can even do their homework on the patio under your solar shades- once you’ve removed the tarpaulin and chair cover, of course.
Implementing a fixed study time, ideally in the hours before dinner, can get your child on the path to homework success. Make an effort to help them with their homework so you can be involved in their progress and foster a love for learning.
Safety Made Simple
It’s important to talk to your child about important safety principles such as stranger danger. Doing so will create a safe space for discussion so that they can share everything with you, from their fears and concerns to their hopes and achievements. And if there’s any possibility you may still be at work when they arrive home from school, make sure that they know how to reach you or emergency contacts.
Family Time Fun
As you and your family fall into the busy routine of a school year, spending quality time together can take the backseat. But rather than allowing monotony to drain all the fun, spice it up with weekend plans with your loved ones. It could be anything, from an afternoon hike to removing the sectional covers and chair covers to enjoy a meal al fresco.
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