It’s that time of year again – we can hear the school bells ringing! Many of our local schools will return to the classroom in just a few short days, with the Capistrano Unified School District starting the school year this Monday. Shaking off vacation mode and transitioning back into the classroom can be difficult for children, but with the right tips you can help your child adjust and start the semester off on the right foot.
Ease Into The Routine
Switching from a summer to a school routine can be stressful, especially with young children. Avoid first day of school chaos by practicing your routines before the first day. For example, set your child’s sleep schedule back to “school time” this weekend, rather than waiting for the first day of school on Monday.
Stick To A Schedule
Create a family calendar that keeps track of everyone’s activities and commitments. This will help keep you organized and show your children the importance of sticking to their commitments. Let kids choose a planner or agenda that they are excited about – they are more likely to use it if it’s something they enjoy. Set a time each week to review your kid’s schedules for the coming weeks, which will help make sure every family member is on the same page.
Plan Out Lunches In Advance
The better you plan out meals, the healthier choices you make for your children and the easier it will be for them to stay focused throughout the school day. Protein packed lunches, fruits, and vegetables all keep your child energized and keep their brains powered so they can make the most out of their day. Planning out lunches will also keep you on schedule in the morning when you’re rushing to get out the door on time.
Encourage Your Children To Set Goals
Sit down with your child and help them create a list of goals they want to achieve for the upcoming semester or year. Do they want to read 15 books by the end of the semester? Do they want to improve their grades? By writing down their goals, it will help keep your child focused, motivated, and help them to think about the steps they need to achieve these goals.
Talk Openly With Your Children
The start of school is an exciting time for kids, but it can also be overwhelming for them. Encourage them to vocalize their excitements as well as the things that are worrying them. This gives you an opportunity to walk them through any qualms they may have so they can start the semester feeling confident.
The better prepared your family is for the start of the school year, the easier the transition from summer to the classroom will be and the more comfortable your child will feel. Take advantage of this weekend and prepare for the new school year. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start. Make this year even better than the last!
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