Going back to school can be exciting for kids, but it can also be disheartening. After a long summer of sleeping in, playing outside or traveling to unfamiliar places, they’re back to working 9-to-5 (well, 7-to-3, but you get the idea).
This year, make things easier on your children – and on yourselves – by taking some time before school begins to prepare the whole family.
1. Ease back into the school year routine
Going straight from the carefree days of summer to a busy school schedule can be a short, sharp shock for your kids.
That’s why you may want to make the transition easier by starting earlier:
- Set an earlier bedtime in the weeks before school starts.
- Decide the bedtime/bath time/TV/homework schedule for school days.
- Don’t take any big trips right before school starts.
- Try to rebuild connections from last year by setting up some playdates with their classmates.
Your child might be anxious about the new year. Let them know that there are a lot of other kids who have the same fears.
2. Scope out the school
Many schools will hold an orientation before the start of the academic year. Try to take advantage of this opportunity, which will let you meet teachers and administrators and get some idea of what the year might hold. You might be able to get a schedule of tests and big projects for the year ahead.
3. Prepare for the new year
Give yourself time to prepare as well before school begins. If your school sent out any forms that need to be filled out, now is the time to do it. Make sure your child’s emergency contacts, immunization records and health information are up to date.
Keep track of important dates – back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences, school holidays – so you aren’t caught off guard.
And try to enforce a “get ready the night before” rule, in which your kids pick out the next day’s clothing and pack up what they need before bedtime, saving everyone time in the morning.
4. Establish your priorities
Things will get more hectic around your house when school resumes, so take some time now to think about your family’s priorities. Be sure to leave enough time for homework and family time.
Determine what level of commitment you can give to their school when it comes to things like volunteering on class trips or for school committees. And start a family calendar where everyone can write down their activities for the week.
5. Have a plan for after school
With school comes after school activities, and there’s a good chance your children will want to take part in some sort of sport or club.
Talk to them about what they want to do, and see how it lines up with what everyone else in the family is doing, given school and work schedules.
For days when your kids won’t be involved in sports or clubs while you’re still at work, you may want to look for an afterschool program at the local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club.
And don’t forget about playtime. Your kids will need a way to unwind after sitting in class.
Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help, with its extensive line-up of wooden and vinyl swing-sets. Are you looking to buy a trampoline to let your kids burn off their school day energy? We can help with that too; visit us online to explore our collection of Springfree, Jump Sport and Alley OOP trampolines.
