As August transitions into September and we approach the Labor Day weekend, often referred to as the "unofficial end of summer," many things begin to change. The weather starts to cool off, leaves begin their transformation, we retrieve our light jackets from storage, and children along with their families prepare to return to school. The beginning of a school year can evoke a range of emotions such as fear, excitement, and nervousness. However, having a well-thought-out plan and a consistent routine in place can greatly facilitate the transition back to school.
When getting ready for the start of the year, there are a lot of moving parts and people to consider. One of the most helpful tools for families is a family calendar. Assign a specific color for each member of the family and write down important meetings, school events, days off from school (and arrangement for childcare), as well as appointments on the calendar. This simple strategy ensures parents and children are well-prepared and important events are not overlooked. By designating a unique color to each family member, everyone can participate in utilizing the calendar effectively. Even if your child isn't yet able to read, they'll recognize their color (e.g., red) and determine if they have any commitments on a given day, prompting them to seek further details. Additionally, the calendar can serve as a meal planner! Pre-planning meals contributes to healthier eating habits, reduced expenses related to dining out, and the creation of an organized grocery list. This approach prevents excessive purchases at the grocery store, reducing food waste in the process.
One of the most exciting aspects of “back to school” time is shopping! Although school supply shopping can be overwhelming for parents, it’s oftentimes a lot of fun for the kids, so it is important to involve them in the process. This is also a good time to talk about returning to school, address concerns or fears your child may have, and set the tone for the upcoming school year. Even if visiting physical stores isn't feasible for your family, you can still engage your child in online shopping. Set aside a block of time for you and your child(ren) to order supplies, and allow them some freedom in decision-making, such as selecting a backpack, lunch box, or water bottle. Encourage them to cross items off the list as you add them to the cart and involve them in labeling their supplies and putting them in the backpack. Engaging your child in this process can foster enthusiasm for school and offer quality bonding time.
For parents with younger children who are going to school for the first time, it’s common for them to struggle with fears, anxiety, and heightened emotions. Addressing these feelings is essential. Initiate conversations about their concerns and collaborate on strategies to alleviate their worries. Local libraries offer a wealth of children's books narrating stories about starting school for the first time. Select a few titles to read together at bedtime. You can tape a family photo inside your child’s school folder so they can find comfort when they are missing you. Share a time when you, as an adult, were scared to do something and how you coped with your feelings. Be sure to inform your child’s teacher about their fears or worries, and schedule extra time for the first few morning drop-offs, as it might take a little extra time for them to get completely settled. Rushing them due to lateness will only make it harder on you both. It’s important to keep an open line of communication between you and your child’s teacher. You are a team, working together to create the best experience for your child.
Finally, while preparing for back-to-school, ensure you have arrangements in place for before and after school care, if necessary. Stock up on nutritious snacks and establish a consistent routine. Check with your local YMCA as many of them offer before and after school care options conveniently linked to the child's school. These programs offer a structured and safe environment for kids to come before and after school, while also offering lots of fun! Food is fuel, and it is important to have healthy snacks on hand
and ready for your child. Options like fruits and veggies, granola bars, whole grain crackers and cheese, or even peanut butter sandwiches are some great examples. Provide a variety and empower your child to choose their healthy snacks. Encourage them to try new things, but don’t force them to eat foods they don’t prefer. Offering healthy snacks promotes independent decision-making and cultivates healthy habits. Lastly, find a routine that works for your family, and stick with it. Children require adequate sleep and structure. Consult your pediatrician about how much sleep your child should be getting and create a routine around the appropriate bedtime. A great evening routine could include dinner, a family game, brushing teeth and putting on pajamas, reading a story, and then going to bed. Although establishing this routine might require a few days or weeks, maintaining it is pivotal. Also consider time to be active and play outdoors, factoring in homework commitments, limiting screen time after school, and accommodating extra curriculars that might be happening.
Back to school can be a blend of nerves, apprehension, excitement, and enjoyment. Yet, with a well-structured plan and adequate preparation, it can be a breeze!