September is almost here. I feel like June and July happened in the blink of an eye. I don’t know about you but this summer, I’ve let my kids (7 and 5) go to bed wayyyy later than during the school year… While they should have been in bed by 7 pm, since school ended, I’ve let them go to bed past 8:30 pm. On one hand, it’s great because they got up at around 8 am. On the other hand, they will have to get used to getting up at 6:30 am. Also, because they didn’t go to day camp, I wanted to have a learning schedule for them to ensure they don’t forget what they learned during the school year… Fail, Val. Fail. If you’re in the same boat as I am, let’s see how you can help your kids getting back into the school routine.
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Take them shopping for their school supplies
And, if possible, take them separately to let them fully enjoy the experience.
I loved school. Especially from kindergarten to 4th grade. I remember my mom or my grandma taking me to Staples to shop for my school supplies. It was so exciting, and I could ensure I get to choose the pencil case I really wanted.
Taking your kids to the store to shop for their school supplies will most likely get them excited about going back to school, and to start using these new supplies.
While you are shopping for school supplies, make sure to grab some reusable essentials for the lunch box!
Talk about their friends
Have they been able to see their friends during the summer? If they didn’t have the chance, I’m sure they will be excited to see them in just a few weeks.
Ask them to tell you about their friends, what they loved to do together, and maybe have them draw a little something so that they will be looking forward to the first day of school.
Give them some homework!
You don’t need to make them study for hours. However, every day, allow a period of time specifically for education. Whether it’s reading a book, writing numbers, or doing STEM activities (that are age-appropriate), get their curiosity going.
For younger kids, aim for something like 2 periods of 15 minutes per day. Anything over that will most likely bore them, and it will build frustration for them, and for you.
My friend Kate (co-host of Guidebook Not Included, our podcast!) told me on episode 4 of our podcast to use different mediums to get the kids to write, instead of the old pencil and paper.
Get a blackboard with chalks, or kids-safe paint and a canvas, anything your kids like to help them get back into a learning mood.
Outschool
And if you are like me, super lazy and have no teaching skills, there are great classes for kids on Outschool. I tried it last week and enrolled my kids in a class; they were really excited to learn with unicorns and the Paw Patrol!
Prepare a small scrapbook on their summer activities
Every year, at the beginning of the school year, teachers ask their students what they did during the summer. I know I would always forget everything about my summer when it was my turn to talk.
Have them prepare a small scrapbook with different activities they did and pictures you took during the summer to help them have something to share with their class.
As I am writing this, I realize I need to get my kids to start theirs!
Most importantly: bedtime routine
Just as I said earlier, I have been more lenient on bedtime since school ended. However, we’ll soon all have to get up around 6 am to get ready for school.
Kids need a lot of sleep, especially during the school year; you don’t want them to be tired in class. I know my kids need to be in bed by 7 pm (and asleep by 7:30 pm) to be well-rested for school.
Every day or week, send your kids to bed about 15-30 minutes earlier than what they are used to. By the time school starts, they will be used to going to bed early.
Morning routine
While you’re at it, also work on the morning routine!
Have them prepare their clothes for the next day before they go to bed, have them get dressed right after breakfast, and help them ensure they can get ready in a shorter period.
Routine calendars
Kids need routine in their lives; it gives them structure and helps more anxious kids know what to expect out of their days. Getting them back into a stricter routine as soon as possible will help them transition into the school year routine more seamlessly.
Kids are also very visual. Use colorful routine calendars to help them with what they need to do in the morning and at bedtime.
sharing this to my brother, my nieces and nephew are back to school and have to adjust with sleeping times again.
Thanks! It’s not easy to get back in a strict routine but we have to! 🙂