As we savor the long, leisurely days of summer, the arrival of September is just around the corner. This means an adjustment to earlier bedtimes, fast-paced mornings, and the ongoing challenge of preparing lunches. We aim to facilitate this transition, ensuring that this school year is more thoughtful, enjoyable, and eco-friendly—for both our kids and us. Here’s how to make it a smoother process.
1. Get Acquainted with Your School
Laura Henderson, a registered clinical counselor who serves as an elementary school counselor and runs a private practice in BC, emphasizes the importance of familiarizing yourself with your child’s school. As a mother and former educator, she provides valuable insights for parents.
If your child is starting school for the first time, Henderson notes, “Many young children have never visited a school.” She suggests visiting multiple times over the summer to make the experience enjoyable. Activities like exploring the playground and practicing the route you’ll take each day can be beneficial. Teaching children about safety and school property boundaries is also crucial. Additionally, participating in school orientations is highly recommended.
2. Organize Your Home
Henderson advises that it’s a good idea to set up dedicated areas for school items in your home, like hooks for backpacks and containers for lunchboxes. Establishing a focused space for homework, free from distractions, benefits older kids as well.
3. Encourage Independence
Young children may find it challenging to manage school necessities like their lunchboxes and snack containers. Henderson suggests practicing with these items in advance. Given that lunchtime will likely be shorter than at home, using a timer can help kids adjust to the new routine. Repeated practice can alleviate their anxiety.
Help them learn to manage their clothing as well, such as taking off shoes and outerwear or using restroom facilities. Tasks that may seem straightforward to adults can be daunting for young learners still refining their motor skills.
4. Address Concerns
When children express anxiety about returning to school, it’s crucial to acknowledge their feelings rather than brush them aside, Henderson advises. Parents often rush to fix problems without providing emotional support first. Issues that may seem trivial to adults can be significant for children. Validating their feelings promotes a safe environment for open communication and teaches them how to articulate their emotions.
Younger kids commonly worry about being away from home, while older children might be more concerned about friendships. Teens often face the challenges of planning their futures, including college applications. All of these worries deserve compassion and understanding.
5. Establish a Daily Routine
Implementing an effective morning routine is essential! Preparing for the next day the evening before can save valuable time and lessen cognitive load in the morning. Set out outfits, lay out outerwear by the door, pack backpacks, and prepare lunches, so mornings are stress-free. Consider rehearsing the routine with children in advance of the first day.
6. Be Thoughtful in Purchases
Sarah Robertson-Barnes, an Ontario-based mother and sustainability consultant, reassures that back-to-school shopping often requires far less than we assume. “Parents are targeted by extensive marketing,” she notes.
Before buying, assess what you already possess. In the weeks leading up to September, have your child try on fall clothing (including outerwear) to identify what’s necessary.
For school supplies, “Check around your home first!” Robertson-Barnes advises. “This cultivates valuable skills for children and promotes resourcefulness in saving money.”
7. Opt for Secondhand First
When it’s time for shopping, visiting secondhand stores for supplies, clothing, and equipment is a great option. “Thrift stores often have excellent craft sections,” Robertson-Barnes mentions.
For older kids hunting for specific styles, consider exploring resale apps, websites, and high-end consignment shops to find favored brands. Henderson believes that allowing children to take part in selecting their school supplies and clothing fosters their mental and emotional readiness for school. Robertson-Barnes concurs, encouraging parents to let kids help, whether shopping online or in person.
8. Prioritize Sleep
Though summer nights might have been lenient, Henderson advises establishing a consistent bedtime routine a few weeks before school starts. Additionally, she’s encourages parents to determine how much sleep their child needs based on their age, and to consult with a healthcare professional if sleep issues arise.
Bedtime can also be an opportunity for cherished family traditions. Henderson’s family enjoys reading together, as well as practicing mindfulness to unwind before sleep.
9. Allow for Downtime
“Every child needs downtime,” states Henderson. “This can occur either independently or together with you.” Incorporating a calming activity after school, along with a snack, helps children transition from their school day to after-school activities. While screen time isn’t inherently negative, it should be purposeful and supervised.
When choosing extra-curricular activities, think about what your child enjoys and be mindful of balance. While these activities can promote fitness, skill development, and social connections, over-scheduling can be taxing for both kids and parents. Every family and child is unique, so aim to find a healthy balance that suits your needs.
10. Extend Grace to Your Kids
“We place a lot of expectations on kids,” explains Henderson. “Each year they face new environments with different teachers, classmates, and even schools. Imagine if adults had to change jobs as frequently—it would be overwhelming!”
As a new school year begins, it’s common for children to experience intense emotions and even meltdowns once they return home after school. This phenomenon, often referred to as restraint collapse, occurs after a long day of navigating stimulation and expectations. “Children work hard throughout the day to maintain composure; upon returning to their safe spaces, their true emotions surface,” says Henderson.
Recognizing that behavior is a form of communication is essential. Kids are expressing their needs, and as parents, we can expect this and respond with compassion. Transitions can be challenging, and we must appreciate their significance.
This article first appeared in the August 2024 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
