I thought we had plenty of time left to enjoy our summer, but my children just reminded me that school starts at the end of August. Honestly, I’m not prepared at all. My kids haven’t been in a full-time classroom since March 2020.
If I’m feeling unready, I can only imagine how they must feel. We’re all in for a bit of a struggle. Even though my kids are teenagers heading into high school, I need to devise a strategy to ease this transition for everyone involved.
Every year, I promise myself I’ll start preparing early, yet I get swept up in summer fun and convince myself there’s no need to get back into a routine until absolutely necessary. Then, I find myself filled with regret, frustration, and creating new ways to express my annoyance because I think it will magically transition them into school-mode (spoiler alert: it never does).
Tips for Preparing Your Kids for School
So, if you’re in the same situation and wondering how to prepare your kids for the school year that is right around the corner, here are some tips. Just like my children, I’m sure yours have enjoyed staying up late and sleeping in. This can easily turn early risers into late risers, leaving you to wonder how to reverse that trend.
Dr. Lara Roberts, a pediatrician at Bright Health, suggests not waiting until the night before school starts to make changes. Instead, create a week-long transition period at the end of summer to gradually adjust your kids’ bedtimes and wake-up times in 15- to 30-minute increments every other day. According to Bright Health, most school-aged kids need between 9 to 11 hours of sleep, so calculate backward from the time you want them out of bed to determine when they should go to sleep.
Dr. Kevin Miller, a sleep specialist, advises that once school begins, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. He also recommends removing all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, which I implemented with my kids until they were about fourteen. Despite their claims that I was “the only parent in the world” who enforced this, it significantly improved their sleep patterns. Now that they’re older, they manage their time better and usually turn off their devices by 10 PM, something they struggled with when they were younger.
Encouraging kids to get plenty of fresh air and exercise during the day and ensuring their sleeping environment is cool can also help create a better sleep atmosphere. If your child is feeling anxious about returning to school, HealthyChildren.org suggests reaching out to their teachers before the school year begins. Schools are often open to addressing any concerns parents or children may have during the summer, and initiating contact a week or two before school starts can make a significant difference in easing anxiety.
Both of my kids are starting at new schools. It’s my son’s first year in high school, and although my daughter was in high school when the pandemic struck, her school has since been replaced. They are both nervous about navigating their new environments, and it’s likely your child feels the same. HealthyChildren.org recommends visiting the school beforehand to familiarize them with their new surroundings.
Getting kids to eat something before school can be a challenge, but research shows they perform better throughout the day when they have some nutrients. Start incorporating this routine a few weeks before school begins to help make it a habit. My kids prefer smoothies or breakfast bars since they don’t find a typical breakfast appetizing, so be sure they know what options are available and keep some snacks handy for those who struggle to eat in the morning.
Although preparing for the upcoming school year may feel overwhelming and be the last thing on your mind, putting in the effort now will pay off as the hustle and bustle of the school year ramps up. Trust me, I’ve let summer slip away too many times and paid the price when fall arrives.
If you’re looking for more insights, check out our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit, as they provide valuable information related to parenthood.
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