At the beginning of summer, we all embrace a more relaxed schedule - staying up later, sleeping in, and having plenty of downtime for fun.  As the summer days begin to wane, our attention turns to the upcoming school year.  While not as carefree, there is great comfort to be had as we return to a familiar school day schedule.  Consistent, well planned routines lead to reduced stress and anxiety for both children and adults and instill good habits in young children.

Here are a few tips to make the transition just a bit easier for both you and your child.

Establish daily routines

A few weeks before the start of school, begin returning to a more appropriate bedtime schedule that includes a predictable routine for your child - taking a bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading before bed.  Earlier bedtime naturally leads to an earlier wake up time.   The morning routine should include breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and packing up supplies for the day.  No more lounging around in pajamas!  It’s hard, we know!  Gradually changing to these routines, rather than making an abrupt switch when school starts, will make things easier for everyone.  Checklists with pictures can be helpful for children who might need visual cues to help them move from one task to the next. 

Get organized

Take the time to designate a spot in your home where necessary items (water bottle, lunch box, jacket, shoes, library books, etc.) can be stored and easily grabbed on the way out the door in the morning.  Hang low hooks that children can easily reach to help them stow away their own belongings.  This small step helps your child feel capable and independent.  In the morning, give your child a moment to think about what he/she will need to take for the day rather than giving explicit instructions.  Instead of “Get your water bottle”, provide a cue such as “What will you need if you get thirsty?”  Empowering your child in this way instills a sense of accountability.   Together, work as a team to keep this area neat and clear of extra clutter.

Plan for the year ahead

Pay close attention to summer communication sent from your child’s teachers and/or the school so you’ll know ahead of time what new supplies your child might need.   Watch for forms that need to be filled out prior to the start of school, and be mindful of any due dates so you’re not scrambling to take care of them at the very last minute.  Integrate the school calendar into your personal calendar so you’ll be aware of meetings, events, and scheduled “no school” days well in advance. 

Pick out clothes in advance

Be sure your young child has clothing and shoes that are easy to manage.  A child loves the sense of accomplishment that comes from “doing it all by myself”, so allow plenty of time for your child to get dressed and only offer help if it’s truly needed.  When it comes to picking out an outfit, it can be overwhelming for children to make a selection from their entire wardrobe.  Instead, have your child choose between two suitable options.  Children are much more likely to cooperate if given some freedom of choice, and this should minimize power struggles that can easily occur and cause frustration.  For children of all ages, it often works best to pick out clothes the night before and have them all laid out to make for a smoother morning. 

Maintain positive vibes

If this will be your child’s very first school experience, be aware that he/she is very attuned to your emotions.  Keep it positive!  When talking about school, you can wonder aloud about what sorts of fun things your child will be doing each day.  If your child senses that you feel good about her going to school, she will be more likely to feel the same.  If they sense your worry and anxiety, they are much more likely to feel apprehensive.  On that first day (and the days that follow), separate from your child in a manner that’s quick and upbeat (See you later!  I can’t wait to hear about your day!), and wait until your child is out of sight to have a good cry on that first day of school drop off.  We’ve all been there and it’s not easy, but long, drawn out goodbyes are not at all helpful to your child (or you).  Rest assured that our teachers have a great deal of experience comforting and redirecting children after a tearful goodbye and, chances are, your child has long since moved on with his day while you still remain in a state of anguish.  Feel free to call the school if you need reassurance.  We are more than happy to walk into the classroom and check to be sure your child has settled in for the day and report back to you.  And don’t worry… it WILL get easier. 

https://www.providencemontessoriky.org/