Getting Back into the School Routine
by Meghan Lynch Ljubi, DO, Zest Pediatrics of Westlake
As it does every year, summer has flown by and school will soon be back in session. This can be a very difficult time for kids as they transition from the freedom that summer offers back to the structure of the school year. Here are a few tips to remember to help with a smoother beginning of the school year adjustment.
Consistency is Key
When first getting back into the swing of the school year keeping a consistent schedule every day of the week, including wake up and bedtimes, can be very helpful. It is hard enough to overcome the big change in routine of getting back to school. If there is continued fluctuation on the weekdays and weekends when kids are trying to adjust themselves back to this routine; it can be even more challenging. At least for the first few weeks to months (depending on how adaptable your child is) try to keep consistency between weekend and weekday schedules. Wake up at a similar time and continue with a consistent bedtime, on weekends keep a loose schedule through the day of structured activities and mealtimes. This consistency can keep our kids in the rhythm of the school year and help them to get adjusted a little easier.
Don’t Rush
Try to avoid hitting the snooze button in the morning and give yourself and your kids plenty of time to get ready for the school day. Have a structured routine in the mornings to help get all needed tasks completed prior to leaving for the day. Charts can help for younger and more distractible kids so they can visually see what is expected in the mornings. Be as specific as you can with expectations to help avoid morning time struggles. Try to avoid too many transitions which can sometimes feel overwhelming to kids. You can have them pick out clothing the night before and get changed right when they wake up. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in a downstairs bathroom to avoid them having to transition back upstairs to brush teeth prior to leaving. You could even try multiple small charts in different areas of the house to celebrate those little victories of the morning with a check mark or a sticker and help them start the school day on a positive note!
Be Positive and be Prepared
Every child is different on how they will feel getting back to school. Some cannot wait to see friends and meet their new teacher, others may be terrified thinking about a new classroom, new schedule, new faces. No matter how your child is feeling your positivity and support is invaluable. Helping them to feel prepared can decrease some anxieties they may have about the school day. Ask specific questions about what is worrying them. Maybe there is a subject they are finding extra difficult that used to be easy for them. You could take a few extra minutes per day to help them review some concepts. They may feel uneasy about making new friends in their class this year. You can schedule weekend playdates to help them feel connected to new friends outside of school and increase their comfort with them in school. Perhaps they are worried about their safety in school or who they will go to if they get sick or have a problem. Talk through safety plans and review who is immediately available at school to help them until you can be there if you need to be. We all worry when we are uncertain, and kids are no different. Helping them feel prepared can make them feel more confident when faced with the new challenges each school year brings.
Take a deep breath and know you can help your child conquer the new school year and be the best version of him or herself!
