4 Tips for Back to School (after a break)

Getting back into the swing of things after a break isn't easy, even for adults! Make the transition back to school a little easier on everyone in your household by considering these four tips!

1. Get back into a routine.

I know, I know, that's what EVERYONE always says and it's easier said than done. Believe me, I get it! But there is a reason that everyone says it. Kids and adolescents thrive on routine. They want their day to be predicable, it helps their brains and bodies feel more secure and safe. So even though they might argue and yell, I promise you that they and their brains and bodies will be better off if you are setting limits and boundaries. A routines and schedules tend to go out the window during a break, whether it's because of a holiday or vacation, its understandable that we as parents need to be a little more flexible around when and what kinds of foods are served, amount of screen time, bedtimes, and so much more.

Getting back into a routine is easier said than done. And often isn't always possible. However, if you can provide even one day of a more normalized routine then your future self will thank you! Where possible consider things like:

-Wake up times and bedtimes

-When are you serving meals?

-What kinds of foods are you allowing your child to eat? Are these normally allowed when not on break?

-When are you offering screen time? How long are you allowing it? Does this look similar to what the expectation is when not on break?

-Consider using a count to the first day back to school, or for older kids let them mark off the days on a calendar

2. Review Expectations.

This may mean reviewing your family's expectations, school expectations, or both! At home you may want to review expectations around before and after school routines, homework completion, bedtimes, screen time, time with friends, etc. If you have a general idea of what is expected from your child at school you could take some time to review with your child rules and regulations at school or in the classroom (think cell phone policy, dress code, etc). Even just reviewing general expectations about school behavior (i.e. speaking kindly and respectfully, helping others, being responsible with school work/homework, being a good friend). A break from the normal routine usually means that expectations and rules are more relaxed. Kids don't always automatically switch back to the normal day-to-day standard operating procedures (even if we think they should). Having a conversation about expectations helps!

3. Check in on school work! Don't wait till the night before to ask your child if they had homework that needed to be completed. Chances are they did, and now everyone is stressed! Check the backpack several days before the end of break! Are there forms that need to be filled out? Projects that need to be completed? With your child, organize and de-clutter folders and the backpack. Future you will thank you! And the teachers will too! For older children, check in on homework or projects that were assigned. Are they working on it? Do they need help? For children that do not yet have independent time management skills (think 15 and under) consider building in a time period each day to focus on completing school. This can look anyway you want- 30 minutes, and hour or longer;  at the kitchen table, independently in their rooms - you know your child and family's needs best! Do what works for you!

4. Reach out your child's teacher if you suspect that your child is going to struggle a lot more than they normally do. If something occurred over the break (major life event, family drama, or a trauma) that your child is struggling with please consider sharing that information with your child's teacher(s). Send a brief email and share important details. Teachers don't know what they don't know. Back to school is a crazy time in the classroom. Teachers can get overwhelmed just like anyone else. If your child comes back to school and is acting outside their normal character a teacher may not give them the benefit of the doubt. Sending them a quick heads up will go a long way to helping the teacher appropriately support your child as they transition back to school.

What tips and tricks do you have to help your kids get back to school ready? Share them in the comments!

Looking for more help? Need some individualized techniques to help you at home? Looking for support communicating with the school? Contact me or leave a comment on this post!