10 Back-To-School Tips For Parents

Summer in San Diego means long days and late nights. But then the back-to-school chaos begins. Moving from one pace to the next can be a real shock to the system, for both kids and adults.

Here are some great tips to lessen that stress and make the back-to-school transition a breeze!

1. Ease into your schedule

It’s tough going from a loose schedule to a structured routine, especially for kids. Start re-establishing school-year routines a couple of weeks before school begins. Begin to eat dinner earlier, go to bed sooner and reduce screen time, if necessary.

2. Make time for quality time

Kids need quality time with their parents and siblings to feel grounded and calm. Ask your kids what family activities are most important to them. Then before the school year kicks off, sit down as a family and plan a routine that’s centered around quality time together.

3. Make Sunday a springboard

Sunday dinner is a great time to gather the family and plan for the week ahead. Get out your calendar and coordinate work schedules, after-school activities and chores so that everyone can deal with potential scheduling conflicts.

4. Stock the fridge and meal plan

Weekly meal planning and prepping is the easiest way to get healthy, fresh meals on your table every night. The first few weeks of back-to-school time can be particularly hectic. Consider using a grocery delivery service so you have one less time-consuming errand on your plate.

5. Find time for fitness

In times like the back-to-school rush, it’s easy to let exercise routines fall by the wayside. However, daily movement and exercise is crucial for physical and emotional well-being. Establish a fitness routine and schedule in exercise daily, despite the busy days. You’ll feel more centered and in control of chaos.

6. Set up a workspace for homework

Choose a designated, quiet area of the house and set it up as a homework zone. Make a list of everything your kids will need to have a functional workspace and make it part of your back-to-school shopping excursion.

7. Map out the morning bathroom schedule

Avoid morning arguments about who’s getting into the bathroom first. Make a schedule, and stick to it. It’s an excellent way to teach kids about time management and responsibility while keeping household quarrels to a minimum.

8. Pack lunches and school bags the night before

Save a ton of morning stress by having kids pack their school bags and lunches before heading to bed each night. Help younger children choose their outfits and lay them out for the next day as well.

9. Check-in with teachers early on

It’s always a good idea to check in with your child’s teacher early in the school year to see how he or she is adjusting. Does your child need extra help in any areas? If so, you can address that now and make the whole school year go along more smoothly.

10. Talk openly about school-related stressors

Separation anxiety, making new friends, and adapting to new classrooms and workloads can be real stressors for kids of any age. During the first few weeks of the new school year, schedule nightly check-ins with your kids to discuss any concerns or fears they may be having.

For more easy, helpful tips for keeping your family connected and organized, scroll through Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ articles.

Categories:
Parenting
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