Going back to school is an exciting and anxious time for both kids and parents! Big changes are hard for anyone, but they can be especially difficult for little ones. Here are six things to do the week before school officially starts to help the back-to-school chaos feel manageable.
Gradually Change Wake-up Times
Staying up late and sleeping in can be difficult routine to change if you leave it to the last minute. In the two weeks leading up to school, begin moving up wake-up and bedtimes by 15-minute increments. This will get children used to getting up each morning and going to bed each night at a set time for the school year.
Prepare Backpacks the Night Before
In the week leading up to returning to school, help your child get into the routine of preparing their school bag the night before. Help them find a place where they can set up their bag so that they always know where it is in the morning. This helps children become familiar with expectations and gives them independence over their routine.
Change Your Mealtimes
If your little one is accustomed to having a snack whenever they feel a twinge of hunger, it can be difficult to transition to the school’s classroom schedule. Get kids on an eating schedule now that is like the one they will have at school. Check out the school’s snack and lunch schedule online so that you can eat at similar times.
Go Over the Ground Rules
Decide when and where homework will be done. Also, determine how much TV or screen time will be allowed before bed. Another important issue is chores. When should they be completed and how often. Establishing guidelines and going over them together will make sure you are on the same page once school is in session.
Chat About School
Start talking about what to expect in the upcoming school year. Talk about who their teacher will be, how to make new friends and fun field trips they can expect. The more excited you are, the more excited your child will be!
Have Some Fun
Summer is not over yet. Now’s the time to enjoy the last weeks of no school with your child. Enjoy the pool, walking trails and parks. Before you know it, the weather will be changing and the evenings will be shorter.
Every summer must come to an end and every year you and your child will be making the transition to a new school year. By planning ahead mentally and physically, you and your child will be off to a great start!