Hey friends. This summer has flown by. A new school year is right around the corner. I know some kids are starting this week, some even started last week. My kids don't start until the end of August. We are still in summer mode and having fun, but it is time to start transitioning into school mode. We have had a laid back summer with late nights and sleeping in. Next week we will be transitioning to school routines and getting all the things done. Even though I am ready to start getting them back into a routine I know they are not excited about it. Adjustments can be hard for everyone.
Here are some tips to help with your transition from summer to school.
1- Sleep Schedule
Getting your kids to go to sleep earlier, especially when the sun is still out is hard. We gradually make bedtime earlier by 15 to 30 minutes. Our goal for when my younger two children are in school (kindergarten and 3rd grade) is bedtime around 8pm, 8:30pm at the latest. They will have to be up at 7am to get ready for school and catch the bus. In the morning to wake up at our desired time we also gradually make wake up earlier by 10 to 15 minutes.
2- Supplies and Space
Not just the supplies that your kids need for at school, but grab them some extra for at home too. Set up a homework station with supplies that they may need for homework. Notebooks, pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sticks. My kids love this because it isn't for school they can pick out the fun pencils and notebooks compared to specific ones they need for the classroom. My oldest will do homework in her room, my two younger kids will do homework at the kitchen table. Also set up a drop zone for papers, bookbags, etc.
3- Weekend Prep
Every Sunday I prep for the week ahead. We pick out clothes based on weather and/or themes, and what day they have gym. Clothes get placed in this storage hanger for each day ( I cut off the bottom 5 and only use what we need. ) We will go through the lunch menu for the week to see what day they want to buy. I also make a weekly dinner menu.
4- Morning Routines
When we start our new sleep schedule we also add in new morning and nighttime routines. Our morning routine including getting dressed, hair brushed, teeth brushed, eat breakfast, shoes on, and ready to get out the door before the bus. We aim for 20 minutes before the bus the first few weeks. (we have been late to the bus stop when told to be there 10 minutes early and the bus picked up 15 minutes early) The big change for my kids will be removing tablets and tv before school. We do no electronics, just some Disney music playing for calming mornings. I will be making visual check list with my kids morning routines.
5- Evening Routines
Bedtime routines include brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, showers if needed, and bedtime stories. It takes time to transition from awake to winding down to go to sleep. If we want to go to bed at 8, we start bedtime around 7. Some nights they may want to play quietly, I have found magnetic tiles to be a smooth transition. I will also be making visual check list for my kids evening routines
6- Talk Positively About School
Your kids vibe off you. If you show sadness or concern about going to school, your kids will feel it too. Having positivity that it will be a great school year, they are going to have fun, they are going to make friends, etc. They will vibe the positivity.
7- Prepare The Night Before
Fill water bottles and put in the fridge, pack lunches and snacks, get bookbags ready, make sure homework is completed, etc. Having this all done the night before helps for the mornings to run smoother.
8- Wake Up Before Your Kids
Take 20 minutes or so to get yourself ready (longer if needed), grab your hot coffee and relax before the chaos of the day begins.
How do you get your family on a back to school schedule? Is it a struggle in your house?
This is what works for our family. I have a girlfriend who doesn't transition from summer to school just one day the kids goo to bed earlier and fights them to wake up the next morning and that is what works for them.
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