As summer winds down, the blissful laziness of the season can feel like a distant memory, especially in our home. My youngest child is an early riser, while my two other kids typically emerge from their slumber around 8:30 or 9. Breakfast is a free-for-all, lunch is often skipped, and I can’t count how many evenings I’ve asked if anyone had eaten during the day, only to receive grunts as they remained glued to their screens.
Adventures to libraries, parks, and camps punctuated our summer, but much of it was gloriously unstructured. Now, as we prepare to dive back into the whirlwind of school mornings—complete with frantic shoe searches and breakfast battles—I can’t shake the anxiety that comes with the transition. Although the back-to-school rush is always a challenge, here are several strategies to ease the process.
1. Acknowledge That Kids Will Be Kids
The first week back is bound to wear them out. Expect some meltdowns, possibly before Friday. Prepare to offer extra hugs and patience as they adjust to a full day at school after being free of structure for so long.
2. Begin Preparing Early
Don’t wait until the night before to get everything ready. Start adjusting their wake-up times a week ahead. Reintroduce bedtime routines like nightly reading and getting ready for bed at a reasonable hour. It may be hard to transition from late-night movie marathons, but it’s necessary.
3. Encourage Writing
It may sound tedious, but have your kids write something—like a letter to a family member. This is a fun way to get their writing muscles working again after a summer spent on devices, helping them reconnect with the physical act of writing.
4. Reestablish Regular Meal Times
The long, drawn-out lunch breaks of summer won’t work in the school year. Gently remind them to eat a little quicker and get back into a routine of regular meals.
5. Reintroduce Hygiene Routines
If your kids have spent the summer in PJs, it’s time to bring back daily showers and real clothes. It might take a few days of reminders to get them back into the habit, especially before the “first day” photo op.
6. Check for Properly Fitting Clothes
After a summer of swimsuits and lounge wear, you may need to assess their wardrobe. Ensure they have appropriate attire and shoes that fit for school to help avoid any social mishaps with classmates.
7. Utilize Visual Aids
For some children, having written routines can be beneficial. Consider creating individual calendars or checklists to help track homework, sports, and other commitments. This keeps everyone organized and reduces morning chaos.
8. Maintain Some Summer Traditions
To make the transition less jarring, keep some fun summer traditions alive, like family movie nights on Fridays. This gives your kids something to look forward to and helps lessen the blow of returning to a structured schedule.
9. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Remind your children that it’s okay to make mistakes, especially as they navigate new classes and routines. Everyone is learning, and it’s normal to feel lost at times.
10. Embrace Survival Mode
Now is not the time to experiment with elaborate dinners or to enforce strict dress codes. If they’re dressed and ready for school, that’s a win. Keep it simple and focus on getting through the first few weeks.
Good luck to all the kids and parents gearing up for this transition!
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Summary
Transitioning back to school can be tough for both kids and parents. Prepare ahead of time by reinstating routines, encouraging writing, making sure clothes fit, and maintaining some summer traditions. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes, and focus on keeping things simple as everyone adjusts to the new school year.
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