Back-to-School Tips for Families
The back-to-school season is both exciting and stressful. Back-to-school tips are designed to remove the daily stresses that are avoidable through planning. Getting into a routine and implementing some of these helpful tips will ensure a smoother transition as the kids head back to school. These back-to-school tips will help you and your child feel more prepared heading into the new school year. It is never too late to apply these practices to your daily routines.
Stick to a Calendar: School events and sporting practices/games start to fill up the calendar quickly. Stick to a calendar and post it in a place where the entire family can see it. This helps to avoid missing important events. This will also help busy families organize carpools and transportation to each event.
Establish a Routine: A consistent morning routine reduces stress and ensures a smooth start to the day. Help your child shift to their bedtime and wake-up time as soon as possible to avoid oversleeping in the morning. Pack lunches or lay out clothes the night before to save time during the hectic mornings.
Healthy Habits: Sleep is arguably the most important habit that must be prioritized. On top of getting a good night’s sleep, children should have balanced meals and snacks to provide them energy throughout the day. Physical activity is also encouraged to keep children active and focused.
Technology Management: Established rules should be set when it comes to screen time. Screen time often gets in the way of homework and sleep. When your children are on their screens, it is also important to talk about the safety of being online. Monitor your children’s screen time to help them avoid procrastination and also to keep them safe.
Encourage Socializing: Facilitate opportunities for your child to maintain friendships throughout the school year. Friendships are vital for emotional well-beoing. Help your child navigate these relationships and be the best friend they can be. Having a support system of friends and family helps both parents and children get through the year.
Teachers are Allies: Teachers get to know a child’s family through the child’s eyes, and they get to know how a child behaves without their parent present. Parents can learn information about learning difficulties and peer problems as well as academic achievements and close friendships through teachers. Teachers are allies, and you should talk to them regularly.
Don’t Forget Fun: School is tough and schedules are full. Carve out blocks of fun time for your children, based on what they enjoy doing the most. Establish family time where you can all connect. This can be as simple as having dinner together on any nights you are all home. Make sure you give your kids freedom to choose to do activities the love and enjoy doing together.
If the tips above are prioritized and implemented into your family’s daily lives, the transition back-to-school should become less stressful and more fun. As a parent, set a good example and be sure to follow your own rules and schedules that are put in place. Summer always seems to fly by, but so does the school year. Start applying these tips right away to ensure your children’s success!
These tips aren’t only relevant for students, but for our day program members as well! Our cognitive rehabilitation specialists and therapists help clients develop healthy habits and routines everyday.
Sources:
https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/back-to-school-tips-for-parents/
https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-with-special-needs-go-back-to-school/
