A smooth start back to school: Tips for an easy transition

Back to school can be a hectic time for any family. Going from long summer nights to scheduled bedtimes can create a bit of chaos in any household. By setting some expectations, working and learning together, everyone can benefit from these simple tips to make the transition a little less stressful.

Set expectations together

Sit down with your kids and ask them what challenges they faced last year, whether it was getting ready in the morning or finishing homework. Understanding their struggles can help you work together to find solutions. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and ideas. By involving them in problem-solving, they’ll feel more confident and prepared for the new school year.

Meal prep

Figuring out what to make for dinner can sometimes be hard enough alone. Remembering to make lunches is a whole different bag of chips! Create a meal plan with your children and make lunches ahead of time together. Not only is it a great way to show them how to make their favourite foods, but you can also take some time to teach them how to build a balanced lunchbox with nutritious, yummy eats.

Teach them handwashing

At home, it’s easy to remind them to wash their hands, but when they’re at school, there isn’t someone to make sure they scrubbed up properly. Teaching them while at home is the best way to ensure they’re getting it right at school and reducing the germs they could be coming into contact with! Make it fun- like having them sing a simple song to ensure they soaped up long enough and leave the bathroom with clean hands.

Update emergency contacts and information

As your kids grow, their lives and needs evolve, making it essential to keep their emergency contacts and medical information current. Take a moment to review and update this information at their school, making sure it reflects any changes in your child’s health or emergency contacts. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping them safe. Stay proactive and prepared by regularly reviewing the information by setting an annual alert on your phone or calendar.

Prepare for tomorrow, today

Getting ready in the morning can be a struggle for anyone. Sometimes, picking out what to wear can make things hectic. Have your child take part in the process by selecting an outfit for the next day. Better yet, after laundry day, put together a few different options on hangers or in the drawers together for them to choose from. Keeping your child involved in creating the outfits gives them creative freedom too!

Create healthy sleep habits

Sometimes, as an adult, we have a hard enough time falling asleep. Bedtimes are important for all ages! Getting kids back into a regular sleep routine will make mornings that much easier. Ask your child what their favourite things are that help them sleep, like dim lights, a toasty comforter, or a fan. Turn off the screens at least an hour before bedtime to help them relax. Set a good example for your kids and do the same – it may wind up making sleep easier for you too!

As you prepare for the back-to-school season, remember that a little planning goes a long way. By setting expectations together, involving your kids in the process and creating reminders, you can create a smoother transition for everyone. Embrace these simple tips to reduce stress and support your children to make the return to routine a positive experience for the whole family. Here’s to a successful and stress-free school year ahead!