How to Make the ‘Back-to-School’ Transition Easier

After a long summer vacation, school is finally back in session. As you probably already know, jumping from leisurely pool days into a hectic school day routine can prove to be a challenge for everyone involved. If you feel like you're getting whiplash from the transition, don't worry. With a little preparation you can save time and regain some of your sanity during the school day. This guide from Lynch Ford Chevrolet will help your child transition quicker to the back-to-school attitude:

Talk it up

Frequently remind your kids that school is something to look forward to, and not to dread. Be encouraging and supportive. Begin with the understanding that all kids experience some sort of hesitation or anxiety when going back to school. Remind your kids how nice it is to see their friends and classmates. Ask questions and try to get them excited about what they've learned and what they'll learn next. Planting a positive seed in your child's brain about the school day will make it more likely they'll cooperate in the morning when you're trying to rush them out the door, lunchbox in tow.

Stick to a sleeping schedule

During the summer, kids often go to sleep late and wake up late. Their bodies will take some time to adjust to a schedule that involves earlier bedtimes. If your kids are struggling to make the switch, try transitioning their sleep schedule slowly, going to bed earlier and earlier each night until you reach your goal time. Even older kids will benefit from this new sleep schedule, and it will make learning and morning routines much easier when everyone is well-rested.

Establish morning and evening routines

Practicing daily routines will significantly decrease early morning chaos. Getting into a set morning routine that includes waking up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast is not easy, especially if your kids are used to lazy summer mornings. Set a morning the whole family is aware of, and get your child an alarm clock to decrease your morning rush and to give them the responsibility of waking themselves up in the morning. In the evenings, cut back on TV and videogame time. Even if they don't have homework, get your kids in the routine of reading in the evenings so they're used to focusing on something that isn't a screen. The more you practice your routine, the easier it will become, so try to repeat it the same way every morning.

Eat a healthy breakfast

Research has continually shown that eating a healthy breakfast every day is extremely important, especially for young children and students. Without proper nutrition in the morning, kids tend to feel drowsy and distracted. Many children don’t like eating breakfast in the morning because they are not used to getting up that early, but prioritize getting at least a few bites in. A nutritious breakfast will give your kids the long-lasting energy that they need to kick start their school day. Plus, it will lower your risk of a morning low-blood-sugar-induced temper tantrum.

Pack lunches

Unless you pay for school lunches, your kids’ midday meal usually comes from home. Get yourself or your children in the habit of planning their lunches the night before. You can also pack the non-perishable items in their lunches the night before to save even more time in the morning. Include healthy snacks and try to limit the amount of junk food and sugary drinks in their lunches. Nutritious snacks will give your kids the energy and important nutrients that they need to focus on learning.

Lay out clothes

Avoid last-minute searches for socks or your kids’ favorite article of clothing by laying out their outfit for the next day the night before. Ask your child for input and suggestions to help them feel a sense of inclusion and responsibility. For younger children, practicing getting dressed quickly and efficiently can save lots of time and hassle in the mornings.

Set up a study area

A designated study area will help keep your kids focused on homework, assignments, and studying. This space can also double as an area where your kids’ school items are located. Backpacks, lunchboxes, and the next day’s clothes will all be conveniently located in one spot the night before, so in the morning your kids have everything they need already prepared and laid out for them.

Go over safety tips

Last but not least, it is important to go over safety tips with your kids before their school day. Teach your children basic safety measures such as to never travel alone and to stay away from strangers. More importantly, teach your kids to be aware of situations and actions that are out of the ordinary, and to follow their own instincts. Make sure they know that if something doesn’t feel right, they should keep their distance and tell an adult. You can't repeat a safety mantra too many times. They may roll their eyes, but it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Having everything prepared and organized ahead of time will save you and your children a lot of time and energy, and it will give your kids time to get excited for every upcoming school day. Sure, there are bound to be hiccups in your schedule, but a little planning may stop you from wanting to pull all your hair out by Monday at 8am.