School Bells Are Ringing Loud And Clear; Vacations Are Over, and School Is Here.
(Winifred C.Marshal)
Are you ready to send your kids back to school? As summer breaks are coming to an end, the familiar rhythm of school bells is chiming again. A new school year means new friends, teachers, classrooms, and lessons. It’s an exciting time for kids, but on the other hand, it’s a little bittersweet for parents as well. Don’t worry! You are not alone; many other parents are going through this phase. It’s normal to feel anxious and nervous about returning to school.
Before you send them back to school, several important things will ease the successful transition from vacation to school. Here are 15 simple ways to look at it before the first day of school.
Return To Routine
Whatever their age, every kid is concerned about heading back to school. Summer break means late eating, sleeping, late-night fun, and a relaxed vacation. So, they need to get back into their normal routine. Here are some tips on how to re-establish the routine.
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Early To Bed, Early To Rise
You can’t process the school sleep schedule overnight. A few weeks before school starts, gradually shift your child’s sleep schedule to earlier. Make a habit of going to bed early and do some relaxing activities like bathing before bed or reading books. This will help them get used to waking up early for school.
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Limit Screen Timings
Summer vacations spoil your kids with over-screen time. It’s the best opportunity to get them back to regular days by reducing gadgets time. I have a perfect solution for this! Whyn’t the whole family unplug the screens together in the evening? Isn’t it easy to convince them? Keep your cell phones away, and choose a spot where everyone charges their devices overnight together.
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Dinner Schedule
Having dinner early keeps you and your kids fit and healthy. When you re-establish the routine, early dinner plays a vital role. Let’s have a family dinner before 8 p.m. so food gets easily digested before bedtime. In this way, your child’s metabolism will improve, with fewer health issues.
Gather School Supplies
One of the main things to consider before going back to school is gathering school supplies for your child. Bring your kids along for the shopping so they can be more excited about returning to school. If your budget is tight, don’t worry! Buy only essential items first, and then get the rest when needed.
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Stationary
Many schools list related items like books, pencils, or binders. Organizing all these supplies early is essential to avoid rushing around at the last minute. Make sure to have a plastic coating and name on all the notebooks. You can also pick other books unrelated to school to refresh their library.
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Perfect Backpack
The backpacks with notebooks and other school supplies are so heavy that they cause pain in many body parts. So, choosing a bag made of strong, lightweight fabric with soft, padded straps would be best.
Let me give you one tip: Don’t allow them to sling their backpacks over just one shoulder. This will cause muscle strain.
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Clothing And Accessories
Comfortable clothes can make your kids confident. Ensure that you buy your kids suitable clothes or uniforms before school. Also, prepare accessories like shoes and socks so your child is dressed for success. Don’t forget to add extra clothes to the bag for your little ones in emergencies.
Prepare Mentally And Emotionally
After preparing physically, it’s time for some mental grooming. Emotional well-being, like physical well-being, is also essential. Going back to school is not just about academics. Before that first day of school, you can consider many other virtual things.
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Communicate With Them
Going back to school is exciting, but it can also make them feel nervous and anxious. So, at this point, communication skills play a vital role in comforting them. You can ask them how they are feeling and listen to their concerns. Then, calm them down and tell them it’s normal to have such mixed emotions. It’s a good time to say encouraging words to them as they are emotionally disturbed.
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Discuss Social Skills
Talk with your child about social interaction. Teach them how to share, cooperate, and respect others. Ensure your child knows about bullying because it has become a reality in many schools. So, educate them to speak up if they see it or face it. Helping your child build social skills will give them confidence in every situation.
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Share Your First-Day Jitters
Tell your kids that being nervous is natural. Let them talk about their fears and worries. Share your first day/week stories from when you were a kid and calm their nerves by teaching them simple strategies for overcoming stress and anxiety. These strategies, like breathing deeply and talking to a trusted adult, can help your kids cope with complicated feelings.
Check Health And Safety Needs
Every parent prioritizes health (especially when sending their kids back to school). The lazy days of summer breaks can cause your child to slip in health. So, it is essential to check all the health requirements to reboot their physical skills. Discuss with your kids the importance of early sleep, a balanced diet, hygiene, and exercise.
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Consult With A Doctor
As we all know, doctors are more aware of our health. If your child needs medication during school time, consult with your doctor. They will give the school a permission letter allowing the child to eat in school. Many schools require proof of certain vaccinations, so check that your kids have all the shots done.
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Set Up A Balanced Diet
Start your day with a healthy breakfast! Nowadays, kids like to eat unhealthy meals and snacks, which cause side effects like weight gain and cholesterol. Maybe your kids don’t like healthy food, but these types of food boost energy. And what kind of parents don’t care about their children’s health? Try to experiment with foods, make them attractive, and play with colors so your kids like them. The same rule applies for lunch and dinner.
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Prepare And Pack A Homemade Healthy Lunchbox
When your kids are used to eating healthy lunches and snacks at home, they will enjoy their healthy lunchbox. Prepare some homemade healthy food and freeze it before the first day so you cannot get rushed in the morning. Involve your kids to help you, like shopping for lunch items and packing them themselves. In this way, they will enjoy and stick to a healthy meal.
Prepare For Academic Expectations
Many kids need a kickstart to prepare their brains after two to three months of enjoying summer break. You can help them to brush up on their previous knowledge at least two weeks before school. This will help them to start a new academic year successfully and with new challenges.
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Complete The Summer Assignment
Most schools give summer homework so that kids are not away from their studies and are in touch with them. Make sure your kids complete their vacation homework neatly and cleanly. Helping them with homework can strengthen your bond with them and make it easier for them to understand. If there is no assignment, then spend some time reviewing your kids’ previous lessons.
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Create A Good Homework Setup
Make a perfect designated space for homework at home. It could be a quiet, well-lit area where your child can read and do homework without distractions. The space where they can perform their school projects and no other siblings can harm it! Provide all necessary supplies there so that it will be comfortable for them.
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Make Reading Habit
If your child has a habit of reading bedtime stories, and so do you, then it’s perfect to interconnect education. Read about the topics your kid was studying (before vacations) in class, like science or history. It will help them understand the subject quickly and easily. If they hesitate to ask or answer questions in the classroom, this would be a fantastic opportunity for them. They ask whatever they want in front of you.
Enjoy The Beginning Of A New School Year!
Celebrate this beautiful transition with your kids so that they will later enjoy and cherish the memories. You can also conduct a back-to-school party with cake, balloons, and valuable educational presents before school starts. Remember, sending your kids back to school is not a hectic procedure. With little effort, planning, and organization, you can ensure your kids start the year strong and confident. It’s a fresh start for everyone, so if you get nervous, then your kid will also do. So help your child feel confident, excited, and ready to tackle the new year’s challenges.