Are you ready to tackle your back-to-school hustle and ensure a smooth transition for the kids you look after? As caregivers, the start of a new school year not only fills us with excitement but also a bit of apprehension as we handle the challenges that come with transitioning back to the school routine. But don't worry! We've got you covered with these invaluable tips that will make the back-to-school transition a breeze for both you and your little ones.
1. Establish and Practice Your Routine Early
Children thrive on a structure they can count on and predict. If you are going from the chaotic freedom of a summer schedule to the rigid structure of a school day, you can expect to be met with some resistance. It's important to start incorporating your daily schedule about a week or two before the first day of school. This gives you the opportunity to introduce new schedule variables without the risk of being late to school or an extracurricular commitment. This can also give you a preview of any adjustments you may need to make.
If the kids in your care have been going to bed at random hours, or whenever they want, start implementing a bedtime. If you need to set it for a later time, slowly inch it to be earlier. It may be beneficial to have them do an activity before dinner that burns some energy, such as swimming, sports, or playing at the playground. That way, they are more tired in the evening and easier to put to bed.Something I recently discovered, and I even use this for myself, is something called low green noise. It is very similar to using a sound machine set to ocean waves, but it is designed to play a certain frequency. This frequency is said to increase the feeling of relaxation and enhance sleep quality. I can say that these are both true from my own personal experience. I tried this with my littles just the other week to test if it was just a placebo. The youngest boy I care for is currently the most challenging to get to sleep. He often tries to stay up later than I do! He normally falls asleep around 10 pm, but this time I got him to fall asleep at 7:45 pm. The only thing I did differently was play this on a loop above his bed.
Take a look at your morning routine. A well-structured morning routine sets the tone for the day. If your kids have been sleeping in well past the time they normally have to wake up for school, start waking them up 30 minutes earlier each day until you have reached their usual wake-up time - much like adjusting their bedtime. Start them off with whatever you normally would do on a school day, such as a nutritious breakfast and getting dressed for the day. Even if you aren't leaving the house anytime soon, it's still good practice for habit building. Consistency is key with children, especially the little ones, so now is the time to rebuild those habits and familiarity to minimize chaos in the morning.
If you have the flexibility, start getting your kids out of the house around the same time you would leave for school. Whether that is to the playground, a museum, or even the grocery store - this will help your children understand that you all leave in the mornings.
2. School Supplies Shopping
Get your kids involved in school supplies shopping. I remember my absolute favorite part of school was getting my supplies list and going to Target! My parents would ask me to pick out which notebook I wanted, which pencil box I wanted, and anything else that was on the list. They even let me check off each box. The excitement of picking everything out really prepped me to be just as excited on the first day of school. Of course, depending on the child's age, this may need to be adjusted as to how much involvement they can have. And, you may already have some of the things on their list! But I promise you they will be just as excited and feel independent about being able to pick out even the smallest of items.
3. Address Back-to-School Anxiety
Transitioning back to school can trigger anxiety in small children. Listen to your child's concerns and validate their emotions. Encourage open communication and offer reassurance that it's normal to feel a bit nervous. Tell them a story of how you were nervous on the first day of school, and how it all ended up okay! Establishing a sense of security and support at home can help alleviate anxiety. Remind them that even though you won't be there during the day, you will always come back to pick them up at the end of the day, or whoever is in charge of pickups and drop-offs.A book I read to the littles I care for really helped them with school anxiety, check out Daniel Tiger Goes to School. This reinforced the idea that adults always come back, and I could hear them repeating what they had learned from the book. It's also a great idea to find out if any of their friends are in their class and tell them! Knowing they get to see some of their best friends each day they go to school will channel their excitement rather than anxiety.
4. Encourage Independence
Empower your child by encouraging independence in tasks such as packing their school bag, choosing outfits, and organizing their homework. Teaching them essential skills fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This alleviates the feeling that we are making them go to school, and instead they get to go to school. It is more their choice than us forcing them to go. Find any part of the day or morning routine where they can be the boss. This will ease your transition into going to school immensely.
Talk to children about the new responsibilities and privileges that a new year brings. Every year, there is space to increase a child's development. If they are going into preschool, explain to them that they now go to school with big kids; they're a preschooler now - not a toddler! Help them shape their new identity by pairing it with new skills.
Now that you're a preschooler, you get to learn how to write your name like Mommy does when she works!
Because you are going into first grade, you're going to learn how to read books! Maybe you can pick out some new books from the library, and we can read together at bedtime.
Being a fifth grader, you are now one of the oldest kids in school. This means that you are a leader and the younger children are going to do whatever you do. Do you think you can help pack some healthy snacks in your lunchbox to encourage the younger kids to make healthy choices and grow up strong and smart, just like you?
5. Create a Homework Schedule
Establish a consistent homework schedule that allows the children you care for to complete assignments effectively. Designate a specific time each day for homework and provide a quiet, distraction-free space for working. Consistency in homework routines promotes academic success. An effective routine that I have seen is having a snack and some playtime after school just to give their brains a little break, then calming down to get schoolwork done at a set time. Once they are done with their schoolwork, then they can play or do whatever it is that they want to do!
6. Celebrate Achievements
Celebrate the achievements, no matter how small, to instill a sense of pride and motivation. Acknowledge their efforts, whether it's acing a test or showing kindness to a classmate. Positive reinforcement encourages positive behavior and cultivates a growth mindset. Children crave approval from their favorite adults, so give them that! You'll notice them repeating these positive behaviors, seeking affirmation. The most recent example from my experience: one of the children I care for is becoming more interested in vegetables. I saw that he had eaten all of his carrots - which never happens. In fact, until recently, seeing carrots on his plate would end in a meltdown. I exaggerated how impressed I was and how proud I was of him. The following day, not only did he eat all of his carrots, but he requested them! He loved asking me if I was impressed again, and the smile on his face showed how proud he was of himself. Eating vegetables just went from a power struggle and meltdown point to pride and excitement.
By implementing these 6 tips, you can navigate the back-to-school transition with confidence and support the children you care for in embracing the new academic year with enthusiasm. Remember, each child is unique, so feel free to adapt these tips to suit your child's individual needs and preferences. Here's to a successful and fulfilling back-to-school season!
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