Long unstructured days, sweet treats, staying up late, and sleeping in. Summer vibes are like no other, but as summer winds down, it is time to start thinking about your child’s return to a school routine.
Re-entry into a typical school schedule can be a challenge for both parents and children.
Following are a handful of tips to help you earn an A+ on your back-to-school transition.
Re-establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
The transition to an earlier bedtime is challenging to achieve overnight, so plan to make an adjustment one-two weeks before school starts. Gradually move up bedtime by 15 minutes or so every few days.
Create a sleep-friendly environment. Aim for creating a comfortable, dark and quiet environment. Introduce a wind-down period with quiet activities like reading, coloring, or listening to calm music.
Avoid screen time before bedtime, and if your child has a phone, park it outside of the room overnight.
Keep a Consistent Wake Time on Weekends
Your teen may object, but do your best to establish a consistent morning wake-up time, even on the weekends.
If your child tends to sleep in late, you may consider moving up rise-and-shine time by 15 minutes every few days. Capturing morning sunlight can also help with this transition.
Plan Structured Activities
If summer has been unstructured, consider setting up some regular activities so your child gets used to having more of a routine. This could include play dates, scheduled outdoor exercise, and 20 minutes of daily reading.
Focus on Healthy Eating
Summer is often filled with sweet treats. Focus on reintroducing some healthy foods, and instituting family mealtimes to mimic your typical school schedule.
To help promote an easier bedtime, be sure to skip any caffeine or big sugar bombs later in the day.
Preparing for a return to school doesn’t mean all the summer fun must end, but I hope a few of these tips can help your family’s transition back to school a success.
Note: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.