Getting Back into the School Routine

As much as some might not want to hear it, it’s back to school time here in East Tennessee. Back to school means getting back in the routines of getting to bed earlier, making sure to do homework, getting to those after school practices, and making sure that there is still time to have fun along the way. Parents and students are looking for any ways that they can make the transition a little easier and a lot less stressful. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of back to school.

Experts suggest that the first and most vital part of getting back into the swing of school is setting up a routine. Having set morning and evening routines eliminates the need to make some of our most time-intensive decisions. With a routine set in place, no one has to wonder what has to be done; rather, it is just known and done from there.

Morning routines for younger kids might include making their bed, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and making sure that all needed materials for the school day are with them. Of course, the details of these things may change when they are older, but starting early with them allows kids to know what is needed and expected to make them successful for the day.

Nighttime routines are just as important as morning routines. For kids this might include doing chores, helping set the table for dinner, homework and then a bit of fun before bed. It’s crucial that your child get back to some part of their typical routine before they head back to school. This will make the transition easier for everyone involved. Other things parents might want to include in a routine are emphasizing the importance of breakfast and making sure that your child gets their recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep.

Other tips to help make the transition easier vary on the child. If your child is feeling uneasy and somewhat nervous about the new school year, there are several reminders that you can give them. Remind your child that they are not alone in their feelings. Many others will be going through the same thing. Reassure them that, before they know it, they will quickly adapt to their new surroundings.

Experts suggest that it is important to remind your child of the positives about the situation. Remind them that they will be meeting new friends in the coming school year, as well as seeing old ones. Refresh their mind with positive school experiences like good grades, field trips, and other things that they enjoy.

Backpacks also tend to be an important part of a child’s school experience, and several things might need to be taken into account before the school year starts to ensure that it helps them to be their best. Experts suggest that parents help their students pack light and organize backpacks with compartments. Place heavier items closest to the center of the backpack to help evenly distribute weight.

The backpack should never weight more than 10 to 20 percent of the child’s bodyweight. Also, always make sure that both of the shoulder straps on the backpack are being used, and adjust them so that the bottom sits around your child’s waist. Follow these back to school tips to help your child transition mindfully and successfully into the new school year.