While we soak in the warmth of the lingering summer days, September looms on the horizon. This shift ushers in earlier bedtimes, frantic mornings, and the repetitive chore of lunch packing. We’re here to facilitate a smoother transition, ensuring this academic year is mindful, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible—for both our kids and ourselves. Here’s how to navigate this change.
1. Get to know your school
Laura Henderson, a registered clinical counselor who works in elementary schools as well as in her personal practice in British Columbia, offers crucial advice for families: familiarize yourselves with the school environment.
Is this your child’s inaugural year at school? “A lot of young kids have yet to step foot in a school,” Henderson notes. “Make multiple fun visits during the summer.” She suggests enjoying the playground and becoming accustomed to the daily commute. Additionally, convey vital safety aspects, like property boundaries. Henderson emphasizes attending any school orientations that are available to parents.
2. Organize your household
Henderson advises setting up specific areas in your home for school items, such as designated spots for hanging backpacks and storing lunch containers. Creating a dedicated homework zone for older children with necessary supplies, yet free from distractions, is also beneficial.
3. Simulate independence
Little ones often struggle with tasks involving buttons, zippers, and containers. Henderson encourages parents to practice using lunch-related items like lunchboxes, snack boxes, and water bottles. Given that lunchtime at school is likely shorter than at home, consider timing kids to demonstrate how quickly they need to eat. Repeatedly practicing these activities will help reduce stress.
Further, practice putting on and taking off shoes, pulling down pants for school restroom use, and fastening coats. Adults may undervalue these skills, but they can create anxiety for children still learning fine motor control.
4. Address concerns
When children express their anxieties about returning to school, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings rather than brush them off, advises Henderson. Parents often rush to solve their children’s problems right away instead of providing empathetic support. What seems trivial to us could be monumental for them. Acknowledging their feelings helps them know they can trust you and teaches them how to articulate their emotions.
As per Henderson, younger kids may feel apprehensive about being away from home, while older children are more focused on friendship dynamics. Teenagers additionally face pressures related to their academic futures. All of these worries are legitimate and should be met with care and understanding.
5. Establish a routine
Implementing a consistent morning schedule is crucial! Numerous tasks can be tackled the night before to relieve stress in the morning. Selecting outfits, placing outerwear near the exit, packing backpacks, and preparing lunches in advance can make the morning smoother. Practicing morning routines with your kids prior to the first day of school can also be beneficial.
6. Be resourceful
Sarah Robertson-Barnes, a writer, mother, and former science educator from Ontario, notes that parents often feel pressured by marketing to buy more than necessary for back-to-school shopping. “We really don’t need as much as we think,” she explains.
In the weeks leading up to school, check what you already have. Have your child try on their fall wardrobe, including outerwear, to assess actual needs.
Similarly, for school supplies, Robertson-Barnes encourages starting at home. “Shop your house first!” This practice not only saves money but also teaches children valuable life skills regarding resourcefulness.
7. Opt for secondhand options
When shopping for supplies, clothing, and gear, consider thrift stores first. “Thrift shops often have a great selection of craft materials,” suggests Robertson-Barnes.
For older children seeking specific clothing or footwear styles, secondhand shopping remains a viable option. Use resale platforms, websites, and groups, as well as high-end consignment stores, to secure sought-after brands.
Henderson highlights the importance of allowing children to be a part of the back-to-school preparations. When kids help select their supplies and clothing, they become more invested and better prepared for school emotionally. Robertson-Barnes concurs; letting children participate in in-person shopping or online searches enhances their engagement.
8. Prioritize restorative sleep
As summer’s laid-back bedtimes give way to more structured routines, Henderson recommends gradually implementing a fixed bedtime weeks in advance. She encourages checking how many hours of sleep your child needs based on age, and suggests consulting your healthcare provider with any sleep concerns.
Bedtime rituals can also foster family bonding. For instance, Henderson’s family enjoys reading together each evening and incorporates meditation to promote relaxation before sleep.
9. Allow for rest time
“Every child requires downtime,” underscores Henderson. “This can be enjoyed alone or together.” An afternoon snack followed by a quiet activity can serve as a transition period from school to after-school activities. Henderson is open to screen time, provided it is purposeful and supervised.
When considering extra-curriculars, think about interests and possible overcommitments. Activities can enhance fitness, skill acquisition, and socialization, but overscheduling can overwhelm both children and parents. Each child and family has unique needs, so aim for a balanced approach that suits your situation.
10. Show understanding
“We have high expectations of kids,” points out Henderson. “Their environments change significantly each year, including new teachers, classmates, classrooms, and potentially even schools. Imagine the stress if we had to change jobs annually!”
At the start of the school year, many youngsters encounter intense emotions, sometimes resulting in outbursts after school. This phenomenon is often referred to as restraint collapse. “Kids experience considerable stimulation and demands throughout the school day,” Henderson describes. “When they return home, in their safe haven, their emotions can surface.”
Henderson reminds us that behavior serves as a form of communication. Children may be expressing something they need help with. “As parents, we should prepare for this and respond with patience. Transitioning can be challenging, and the weight of this reality is often underestimated by parents.”
This piece was first featured in the August 2024 edition of Intomodel magazine.
