How To Make A Smooth Back to School Transition By Christine Agro

Back-to-school is a crazy, hectic time of year for parents. Not only do we have to gather countless items from calculators to backpacks to a myriad of pens, markers, notebooks and paper supplies; but we also have to help our children navigate, what is, regardless of the age, a new experience each and every year. Your kids, whether they talk about it or not, sit and ponder ‘Who will be in my class?’ ‘Will my teacher like me?’ ‘Will I have any friends?’ and countless other thoughts that pass through their minds.

As you get ready for back-to-school, here are a few tips to help both you and your child ease back into the school year routine.

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Reset Bedtime

If your family is anything like mine, the Summer means up late and sleeping later than normal (although for me it just means up late, up early as I wake up before 8AM almost always.) About a week or two before school starts, get your child back in the habit of going to bed earlier. If you have enough time, start moving back bedtime, until you are closer to the usual time she goes to bed. The week before school, start to wake her up earlier too.

The Benefit: This will allow your child to readjust to a new schedule before school starts, rather than having to do it during the first two weeks of school. Left to the first two weeks of school, you’re likely to have a cranky child on your hands.

Get Prepared

If your child’s school sends out a list of supplies and expectations ahead of time, make the time to go out and get the things on the list. If there is a reason you can’t get the things requested, let your child’s teacher know before school starts and also let your child know. If you don’t get the list until after school starts, from years past you’ve got a pretty good idea: #2 pencils, washable markers, notebooks, filler paper, a lunch box, non-marking sole gym shoes. Go out and get what you think you might need, save the receipt as you can always take things back.

The Benefit: Children are on edge enough the first few weeks of school. By helping them be prepared, you reduce the need for them to be singled out. Some children also worry about these sorts of things. If they don’t have what they think they are supposed to have, it creates unnecessary stress for them. It will also reduce your own stress level. No one needs to be driving around to three different stores sifting through the remnants of back-to-school materials.

Review Back-To-School Schedules (or set them)

This doesn’t take long, it’s just a matter of discussing, while you have your child’s attention, what you will expect during the school year. We have some solid School Year guidelines in our house. Anything that’s needed the next day is set out the night before. If it’s lesson day, the guitar is packed up and set at the door the night before; if it’s share day, the share is figured out and organized. The other extremely helpful rule is for when we return from school. All school items are put away before Caidin does his homework and homework happens before TV, DS or playing outside. Things that get done include emptying out and putting away the lunch bag, the backpack is emptied out and hung up, and jackets are hung up.

Benefits: Peace of mind, smoother sailing and less nagging.

Check in With Your Child

Kids get both anxious and excited as we head into back-to-school. Taking a minute to check in with your child will at least give them an opportunity to express any worries or concerns. Sometimes there isn’t much we can do about these, other than to listen and maybe tell a story about our own experience. Try to stay away from platitudes like ‘it’ll be ok’ or ‘I’m sure you’ll make new friends.’ Your certain to get a ‘ya right’ or and eye roll, even if they don’t do it right in front of you.

Benefits: You remind your child that you are always there to support and listen.

Here’s hoping your back-to-school start is easy and smooth and if it’s not, just remember, the first few weeks of school are a spec of time in relationship to the entire year. It’ll be winter break before we know it.