Navigating the Back-to-School Transition
It’s hard to believe but also true: it’s time for the school year to begin. This can involve a change in schedules, a need to be more organized, and so on. Fortunately, Horizon can help! Here are tips to ease your way back into schooltime living.
Forbes.com points out the importance of starting new routines two weeks before the beginning of the school year to get into the rhythm. This can include revised times to go to bed and wake up and a shift in chore time. Putting a dry erase board in a highly trafficked area in the home to record important dates and times can help everyone to be on the same page.
Ensure you have an agreed-upon space to put shoes, jackets, backpacks, and other items to have handy when leaving for school. Also know where to put keys and other items that multiple family members will need to readily access.
Baylor, Scott, & White Health notes the importance of having the right items for the upcoming school year, which may include new backpacks and lunchboxes. If your child gets their school supply list before the year begins (perhaps through the school website or in the mail), ensure that your children have exactly what they need. You could turn supply shopping into a fun family event!
If any of your children need a sports physical—or it’s otherwise time for an annual checkup—it can make sense to get that done before the hectic school year starts.
Although plenty of excitement can exist as children look forward to seeing their school friends again, they might also be experiencing anxiety. After all, they may well have a new teacher and otherwise have to start the acclimation process all over again. A PBS article shares symptoms of anxiety to watch for: changes in eating or sleeping behaviors; clinginess or tantrums; headaches or stomach aches; nail biting or hair twirling; or irritability or crying.
To help, leave plenty of time to get ready for school in the morning and allow yourself to arrive without stressing about being late. Ensure that your children are eating balanced meals and healthy snacks and getting enough sleep. Prepare everything for the upcoming school day the night before: laying out clothes, loading backpacks with homework and more, pre-packing lunches, and so forth. Address your children’s worries with them, avoiding generic statements like, “Oh, you’ll be fine,” or “You’ll love school this year.”
Although a bit of anxiety can go with the territory, if you notice these symptoms for longer than two weeks, consider consulting with your child’s teacher or doctor.
Horizon Education Centers: Before and After School Programs
Horizon provides dependable school-age programs for children aged five through fourteen, including full-day care when school is not in session. You can count on experienced teachers who skillfully nurture and care for children in engaging, sensory-rich environments. We value strong parent-staff relationships with your child’s well-being and development front and center.
