Make an Easy Transition for the New School Year
As the summer comes to an end, there’s some excitement and some anxiety about the start of a new school year for both children and parents alike. Parents with older kids may be used to the mental, physical and emotional shifts that take place when it’s time for school to start, but parents whose children are first-time students may have a case of the nerves at the idea of letting their little angels venture off on their own. Either way, here are some tips for making the transition from fun in the summertime to homework, PTA meetings and science projects.
Get your house in order. Being prepared is the number one way to lessen the chance of chaos as the new school year starts. Prepare a grocery list and do your food shopping and meal prep on the weekend, if possible. Whether your kids wear school uniforms or not, having their clothes (and yours) cleaned, ironed and ready for the week will shave off lots of time getting ready in the morning.
Make sure you and the kids get a good night’s rest. Never underestimate the power of sleep. Although the kids may have had carte blanche when it came to bedtime during the summer, it’s now very important to have a set time when children go to bed. Television and all electronic devices should be turned off and put away so everyone can get some uninterrupted shuteye.
Start the day with a light, nutritious breakfast. If you and your kids are used to stacks of pancakes, eggs, sausage, toast and other fixings of a traditional American breakfast, you might consider lighter fare for the first week of school. Heavier foods high in starch could cause a spike in blood sugar, and then a crash. Neither you nor the kids will be able to focus if you’re drowsy. Cereal, fruit and yogurt are just a few options for a light and healthy breakfast.
Create a routine and stick to it. Going to bed at night and getting up in the morning at the same time each day will do wonders for the whole family. Likewise, it’s important that everyone knows what to expect when it comes to the family schedule. This is especially key if your children are involved in extracurricular activities that require after school meetings and practices. You also want to be sure to coordinate transportation and childcare with any other caregivers or guardians.
Be flexible. While structure is important, it’s just as imperative to be flexible. Sometimes kids get sick or parents have to work late, so being able to adjust will help keep the household running smoothly.
Keep the lines of communication open. Discuss with your spouse, nanny, teachers or others who are involved in looking after your children any concerns or issues you have going into the new school year. If there were any major changes in your family over the summer, it might be a good idea to communicate this to your child’s teachers. Also, if your children are old enough to go out on their own, re-establish curfews and expectations to avoid any misunderstandings.
Here’s to a safe and productive school year!