As we head into a new school year, you know that Summer is closing up and school is peeking around the corner. School has actually started for many of our readers and their children. Here are some ideas to help with the inevitable transition. Make sure to read our article on 10 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special on the First Day of School.
1. Ease Into a School-Year Schedule
It sometimes takes weeks to slowly return to a school-year schedule. So, try waking late sleepers earlier and earlier until they’re body clock adjusts.
2. Create a Master Calendar
Find a central location in the house, and make a month-long whiteboard or other basic family calendar. This way, everyone can see what’s happening with everyone, and not miss any after-school events.
3. Clean Backpack/Cubbies, etc.
Before the school year starts, take an afternoon to clean out backpacks, cubbies, etc. This will help you figure out what supplies you actually need to buy when the back-to-school sales begin.
(*Continue to empty backpacks/bags completely daily. A quick pass through their many-zippered compartments, ideally right when they get home, will help them stay clean and organized. It also helps you know what’s going on. Remember, vital teacher memos usually end up crumpled at the bottom of that bag.)
4. Prepare For the Whole Week on Sunday
A key to a successful school day is getting things organized the night before. Then eventually try planning a full week ahead. Meal planning helps to relieve last minute rush (and starved) desperate meals. Also, you can shop just one time in a week, and save on time and gas.
5. Set Back the Clocks
This ‘trick’ will help you stay on time, if not even arrive early!
6. Find a Fun Educational App/Website
Grab a challenging education app or website to ease your kiddo back into ‘learning’ mindset.
7. Special Treat
Take your kiddo out to a special meal of their choice. Dress up and make it a special time to reflect on summer and chat about upcoming events, activities that you are looking forward to.
8. Surprise Sleepover with a Friend.
This is a great way to have a last hoorah of summer and gets your kiddo back in the mode of being a good friend.
9. Prepare their clothes for the first week.
Each year we put the first week’s outfits in day of the week cubbies in my son’s closet. It really helps eliminate early morning frustrations when trying to find matching outfits, socks, underwear, etc.
10. Go over a lunch menu ahead of time.
If you have a child that packs, it is very helpful to know what you are going to pack the week before so you can get back in the swing of preparing lunches in the morning. My son buys often, but is allowed a snack each day, so we had to discuss what he wanted for snack and made sure we purchased those items and had them ready in snack baggies.
While school has already started here, these are some tips to help you get back in the “school frame of mind.” Comment your tips below!
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