Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by karenpadgett25
As summer comes to a close and the back-to-school season looms, parents are likely starting to feel a sense of dread. It’s hard enough getting back into a routine without also having to worry about homework, schedules, and packing lunches. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with nine back-to-school tips that will help you and your family make the transition from summer break to the school year.
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1. Get back into a routine gradually
Don’t try to do too much too quickly! Ease yourself and your family back into a routine by slowly transitioning back into set bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. This will help everyone adjust to the early mornings and long days ahead.
Get your child involved in the process as much as possible. Let them pick out their backpack, clothes, lunches, etc., within reason of course!
Parents can also help kids make a list of things they need for school and create a budget for back-to-school shopping.
The more they feel like they are a part of the process, the less likely they are to feel anxious or overwhelmed about going back to school.
2. Create a homework station
Designate a specific area for homework and make sure it is stocked with all of the supplies your child will need, such as pencils, paper, scissors, glue, etc. This will make it easier for them to get started on their homework as soon as they get home from school.
It can be tempting to just let your child do their homework on their own, but offering help and guidance will make the process easier for both of you. If they’re struggling with a particular concept, take some time to sit down and explain it to them. You can also look up extra resources online or at the library that can help them better understand the material.
3. Set aside time for family dinners
With everyone’s busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and enjoy a meal together. But making family dinners a priority will help you stay connected and provide some much-needed quality time. Try to have at least one night each week where the whole family can sit down and eat together.
4. Get involved in your child’s education
Attending school functions, such as open houses and parent-teacher conferences, is a great way to stay involved in your child’s education. This will also allow you to meet their teachers and get to know more about what they’re learning in class.
Make a point to talk to your child’s teacher(s) regularly about their progress in school and any concerns you may have.
5. Make a schedule and stick to it.
This is especially important for younger kids who may not have a lot of structure in their day-to-day lives. Having a set routine will help them feel more comfortable and secure in their new surroundings.
Making a back-to-school schedule and sticking to it can be a daunting task for parents.
Here are a few tips to help you make and keep your back-to-school schedule:
1. Make a list of priorities and stick to it. When making your back-to-school schedule, make sure to prioritize what is most important to you and your family. Things like homework, dinner, and bedtime should be at the top of your list, while things like watching television or playing video games can be pushed down.
2. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your children. Don’t try to do too much in one day – this will only lead to stress and frustration. Instead, try to break up your day into smaller tasks that can be easily accomplished.
3. Establish a routine and stick to it. Routines help children feel secure and know what is expected of them. Having a set routine during the back-to-school season will help ensure that everyone in the family stays on track.
4. Make time for yourself. As a parent, you must take some time for yourself – even during the busy back-to-school season. Whether you use this time to relax or get caught up
5. Establish rules and consequences early on. If there is one thing parents hate, it’s having to deal with discipline problems later on down the road when things have already become chaotic.
6. Encourage physical activity
One important aspect of back-to-school preparation that often gets overlooked is ensuring kids are getting enough physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. However, many kids today struggle to meet this requirement.
There are many benefits to ensuring your child gets enough physical activity. Not only does it help promote good health, but it can also help improve academic performance. In addition, physical activity can help kids manage stress and stay focused in school.
So how can parents encourage their kids to get enough physical activity?
Here are a few tips:
1. Set a good example yourself.
If you want your kids to be active, you need to lead by example and make physical activity a part of your daily routine.
2. Make exercise fun.
Kids are more likely to participate in physical activity if they see it as fun and not a chore. Try to come up with creative ways to incorporate exercise into your child’s day, such as playing tag, going for a bike ride, or shooting hoops together.
3. Get the whole family involved.
Family activities are a great way to get everyone moving while spending quality time together. Take a family hike, go for a swim at the local pool or play Frisbee in the park.
Physical activity is important for kids of all ages, and it can be a great way to relieve stress after a long day of school. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. This is a great way for them to make new friends and explore new interests.
Make sure your child has some time each day to run around outside, play sports, or just move their body in any way they enjoy.
7. Get Organized
One way that parents can help when kids go back to school is by getting organized. This includes creating a back-to-school routine and setting up a designated homework area. , parents should establish rules and expectations around homework and screen time. Finally, parents should make sure they are communicating with the school and staying involved in their child’s education.
Here are a few tips:
1. Make a list of back-to-school supplies needed and purchase them as early as possible to avoid the rush closer to the start of the school year.
2. Create a designated homework space for your child with all of the necessary supplies they will need (e.g. paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.)
3. Keep extra school supplies in your car. You can store them in a tote or trunk organizer.
4. Have your children plan out their weekly school outfits on Sunday.
5. Plan out a weekly dinner menu and do your best to stick to it so you’re not overwhelmed come dinnertime.
6. Display your weekly schedule including any extracurricular activities and family time on a whiteboard organizer.
8. Establish a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine will help your child wind down and prepare for sleep. This can include taking a bath, reading a book, or writing in a journal. Doing the same thing each night will help cue their body that it’s time to rest. This is important because kids need to be well-rested to learn and retain information.
It is also important to limit screen time before bedtime. too much screen time can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to concentrate during the day. Try to establish a rule that screens must be turned off at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
A tired child is more likely to be cranky, have trouble paying attention, and just overall have a bad day. By taking these steps, parents can help their kids get the sleep they need to be successful in school.
And don’t forget about your bedtime routine. It is equally, if not more, important for you to get a good night’s sleep.
9. Meal Time
One of the most important back-to-school tips is to make sure you’re prepared for meal time. This means having backup snacks and meals ready to go in case of unexpected delays or problems.
A nutritious meal in the morning will help your child focus and do their best all day long. Pack healthy snacks and lunches. Sending your child off to school with healthy snacks and lunches will give them the energy they need to power through their day.
Here are a few tips for prepping for back-to-school meal time:
1. Make a meal plan and grocery list.
This will help you stay organized and make sure you have everything you need for quick and easy meals.
2. Stock up on healthy snacks.
This can help keep you and your family fueled throughout the day, especially if meal times are hectic.
3. Prep some meals ahead of time.
This can help reduce stress during the week and makes it easy to grab something quick when you’re short on time.
4. Use leftovers wisely.
If you have leftovers from a previous night’s dinner, pack them in your lunch or eat them as a snack later in the day.
5. Get everyone involved in preparing meals.
This can help make cooking and cleaning up easier, and can also be a fun way to spend time together as a family.
6. Keep things simple.
When time is tight, it’s best to stick to basic recipes that everyone
Don’t forget about breakfast!
Conclusion
Parenting back to school can be daunting. There are so many things to remember: new schedules, packing lunches, backpacks… the list goes on! But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these back-to-school tips for parents. By taking these steps, parents can set their kids up for success when they go back to school.
It’s important to have realistic expectations for yourself and your family as you transition back into the school year. Things will likely be hectic at first, and there may be some bumps along the way. But by taking things one day at a time, you’ll eventually get back into the swing of things.
And don’t forget to take a break every once in a while! Relaxing family time is important too, don’t forget about that!
Do you have any back-to-school tips that have worked for your family? Share them in the comments below!
check out my blog post 5 Easy Way to Stay Cool this Summer
5 Easy Ways to Stay Cool this Summer
