School Rules: Tips for Transitioning Back Into the School Year Schedule

Start Strong This School Year With These Simple Tips!

All of us need routines. Personally, I know they keep me sane. The same is true for our kids. Studies have shown that kids thrive in an environment with reasonable rules and a schedule they can rely on. While we all tend to get a little lax with our routine over the summer (after all, it is a vacation time), it is time to get back into the swing of the school routine. Since there are probably several areas we need to buckle down on, starting now to work on a task at a time is a wise choice.

Start a sleep schedule

We all know how it feels to try and function through the day after a poor night’s sleep. Our children feel the same way. Be sure to start transitioning them to their proper bedtime now before the school year starts. Having a great night’s sleep will help them have a great day the next day. Getting to bed a few minutes earlier each night and then waking up a few minutes earlier the next morning will help you slowly transition your child back to normal.

Get organized

Establish a routine for each school morning, as well as each afternoon and evening. Make a checklist for the morning routine for your children. If your children are not yet reading you can draw pictures on your checklist instead of words. Have about five items on your check list, including some things they are required to do – brushing hair, brushing teeth, getting dressed, etc. is a great visual reminder for kids.

Ease the morning busyness

Do as much the night before as possible. Make sure your child’s backpack is packed, school clothes are laid out, snacks are prepared, and any other tasks that will save you a few minutes in the morning are done.

Set up for homework success

Before school starts, set up a quiet, well organized, well-lit homework area. Homework is an inevitable part of most of our children’s daily afternoon activity. Make sure they have adequate supplies and establish a routine to avoid daily conflicts. One such step you can take is to make sure your child is not allowed to watch TV or use their technology (tablets, video games, etc.) before getting their homework complete and checked by you.

Just be

With this new school year comes anxieties and fears about the unknown and what is to come. Your child will be embarking on a whole year with a brand-new adult they spend the entire day with. Take the time to acknowledge any anxieties they might be having. Remind them that everyone is nervous about getting back to school (even the teacher).
 
Meet The Bella Behind the Blog: Kristen Farley is a mother of three and a domestic goddess. She is a former teacher who enjoys spending lots of time with her kids, healthy eating, volunteering at school, and mommy blogging for the masses.

Be on the lookout for more of Kristen’s expert advice and brilliant tips!