Can you believe it is that time of year again? Summer is coming to an end and it's time to get the kids ready to go back to school! This time of year can bring a lot of emotions and changes for both children and parents. Days are jam backed from trying to get everyone out the door in the morning, finishing homework, juggling extra-curricular activities, and get everyone in bed at a reasonable time to do it all again the next day! No wonder everyone is constantly asking if it's Friday yet! So how can you make things just a little bit easier this year? Being proactive to help your child and family with the transition and getting organized will help prepare your family for the busy year ahead! Below are five tips that will help you get ready for the school year!
GET THE HOUSE ORGANIZED - It is important to come up with strategies to keep the household running efficiently and get everyone involved in the task. Set up a filing system so school papers, mail, and other paperwork are can be put away daily and easy to find later. Develop a chore chart so everyone can help keeping the house clean and incorporate chores into the daily routine. Spend a little time preparing some quick and easily meals for nights when you don't have time to cook! Pre-prepped freezer meals and crockpots/instapots can be a lifesaver!
MAKE A DAY OF STOCKING UP ON SUPPLIES - Get the back to school list and figure out what your child needs this year. Look at the sales and plan a day with your child to go shop for clothes and supplies. When your child knows they have the right tools and new things they will feel excited and prepared for the new year. Be sure to get all the basics and allow room in the budget for a couple of splurges (e.g. cool notebooks, fancy pens, etc.)
RECONNECT WITH THE SCHOOL AND OLD FRIENDS - If your child's school provides an open house to tour the school and meet the teacher be sure to go. This can ease their anxiety and remind them of familiar places. If this is not an option, it may be helpful to visit the schools website to look at pictures of their school and teacher. Parents should also contact their child's teacher to discuss the best ways to learn about classroom activities and assignments as well as how to contact the teacher if needed. Also try to schedule playdates with children you know that will be in your child's class so there are some familiar faces at the beginning of the year.
EASE INTO THE ROUTINE - The first day of school is not the best time for a drastic change in schedule. Approximately two weeks before school start with a more regular bedtime and begin practicing the morning routine. Decide what strategies will help decrease stress in the morning and practice these as well. Pick out clothes the night before, make sure backpacks and lunches are ready, have easily accessible breakfast foods, practice your morning schedule, and getting to school/bus stop on time. Routines help children feel more comfortable and make the first day of school go much smoother.
DISCUSS AND PLAN FOR UPCOMING ACTIVITIES - Create a central calendar to keep track of all the activities. Having a calendar that everyone can access is important so people know what to expect! This can also help parents plan ahead for transportation and additional care when needed. Reference the calendar to help children plan for their day. This can be helpful to help the child slowly prepare for the beginning of the school year as well. Cramming reviews for the upcoming school year into the last few days of summer can create anxiety for your child so it is best to do this over a longer period of time.
Hopefully these tips will help you and your family get ready for the best school year yet! If you notice your child's behavior changes around the beginning of school year or significantly interferes with their ability to be successful at school it is important to seek help. GBHC provides psychological assessments and therapy for children to help with a variety of behavioral challenges. Contact us at (314)325-2685 or gbhconsultants@gmail.com for more information about services.
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