Getting Back in Back-to-School Mode After Summer Break

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Ah, summer! You’ve enjoyed the relaxed, laid-back vibe and not having so many scheduled activities that seem to go hand in hand with school. But all good things must come to an end, and it can be hard to get back into a more structured routine when school starts. Suddenly you have to get the kids to school, pick them up, get them to after-school activities and plan meals, time for homework and downtime. Some parents do all this while juggling a full-time job as well! It all comes down to time management, organization and planning. Here are some tips that can make it all work.

Set Expectations
Explain to your kids that school is starting soon, and it will be easier to get used to a new routine if they practice it now. Discuss what time they need to get up every day, what time they need to go to bed every night and when they will do their homework. If they have after school activities, this will be the time to factor those in as well.

Set Bedtime and Wake-Up Routines
School starts in August for most kids, so two weeks prior, establish a bedtime. If kids get used to going to bed at the same time each night, it will make the transition easier. Have them take a bath or shower, brush their teeth and put their pajamas on about a half hour before bed, don’t allow snacking after 8 p.m. and encourage them to read when they go to bed as part of their wind-down routine.

On the flip side, they will need to get used to getting up earlier. Try to find out ahead of time what their school and bus schedules are so you know what time they need to get up to get dressed, eat their breakfast and get out the door. This might be hard to do if you don’t have a reason for them to get up, so give them a goal for the two weeks before school starts. You can have older kids plan quick breakfasts for themselves, and maybe even plan lunches. Younger kids can even help make simple snacks.

Set Up a Study Space
To get your kids a little more excited about doing their homework, help them create a designated study space, either in their bedrooms or a separate room in the house that can be designated as a “homework zone.” Let them help design or set up the space. You might even suggest that they start reading daily for the last two weeks of summer (if you haven’t already) to test out the new study space. You can also have them think about what goals they have for the school year.

Go Shopping!
Some kids love shopping, some kids loathe it. If your kids love it, they’ll enjoy shopping for their school supplies with you, whether that’s in a store or online. The same goes for school clothes. If they loathe it, don’t make them go. Just tell them, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!”

Of course, everyone is different, and people have different schedules and activities. Regardless, these tips should help ensure a smooth transition from summer to school year.

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