Have you noticed that after a month or two of summer break, kids can feel a bit bored, and they start looking forward to returning to school? It’s as if the fun they had in their first days of vacation back in May have turned into long, monotonous days with limited activities. While most students eagerly anticipate reuniting with their friends and teachers as the start of school approaches, transitioning back to the school routine can be challenging for kids.
Here are some helpful tips for parents to assist their children during this transition.
Start Moving Up Bedtime
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children aged 6 to 13 get 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night to maintain their health, excel in school, and retain all the information they’ve learned throughout the school day. To help your child regain their sleep schedule, gradually adjust their bedtime by 15 minutes every few days until they achieve sufficient sleep. Once you’ve determined the optimal bedtime for your child, do everything you can to ensure they adhere to it, even on weekends.
Watch for Start-of-School Anxiety
The unknown can cause anxiety in adults, so imagine how it can affect children. To alleviate student angst, you and your child can attend your school’s Open House or Meet-The-Teacher Night. Additionally, parents can have a conversation with their child to understand the underlying cause of their anxiety. Provide your child with examples of when they experienced similar anxiety in the past and how those situations turned out positively, such as the start of school last year.
When Buying School Supplies, Make it Fun
Everyone loves getting new things, and shopping for school supplies can make going back to school a positive experience. When buying school supplies, include your student in the process. Encourage them to choose items that convey the message that school is fun. If possible, parents should buy extra school supplies. Things can get lost or damaged during the school year, so having replacements ready can be helpful and less stressful for everyone involved.
Get Involved in Your Child’s Education
Parental involvement in a child’s education is a strong indicator of future success. Even a small amount of time, such as an hour per day or per month, can make a significant difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s teacher or school administrators to inquire about how you can contribute and what type of involvement would be most beneficial.
Create a Fun Celebration for School Year’s Eve
Make the start of school a memorable event. Organize a school-themed party for your child and their friends, plan a fun-filled back-to-school getaway weekend, or prepare a special breakfast for the first day of school. Additionally, parents can document their child’s first day in their new grade by taking numerous photos.
The first day of a new school year can be emotionally taxing for children. To help them turn their trepidation into enthusiasm, parents should make the start of the school year an exciting and enjoyable experience that their children will eagerly anticipate.
