How to Help Children Transition from Summer Back to School
As the days get shorter and the last bit of summer fun winds down, the thought of going back to school can bring mixed feelings for both kids and parents. As a parent, I’ve noticed that sometimes it seems like my kiddo regresses a bit transitioning into and out of summer break. Transition in general can be tough on us humans and particularly on children. But there are some basic communication strategies you can use to make this transition smoother and more enjoyable for your family. Here are some helpful tips for easing your child back into the school routine after a long summer break (Pro tip, they also work for other transitions with a little creativity!)
- Gradually Reintroduce Routines
One of the best ways to help your child transition is to ease them back into a daily routine. Over the summer, bedtimes tend to get later, and waking up early again for school can be a difficult adjustment. To make this shift less jarring, start adjusting the child’s bedtime and wake-up time gradually a week or two before school starts. Begin by shifting their bedtime 15-20 minutes earlier each night and waking them up a bit earlier each morning. Also begin to limit screens in the last hour or so before bed to support better sleep. This will help reset their internal clock and make the transition smoother and less noticeable to everyone. The higher quality of sleep a child (or anyone) gets, generally the better they are able to handle stress and challenges. - Create a Back-to-School Countdown
Building excitement around the upcoming school year can ease any anxiety your child might have, which is so natural with an upcoming change. Creating a back-to-school countdown can turn the process into a fun and more positive experience. You can hang up a calendar and mark off the days as you approach the first day of school, or use a white board or construction paper to do something similar with colorful or cut-out numbers. Consider incorporating a few special activities into the countdown, such as back-to-school shopping for supplies, driving or walking by the school, or talking with them about fun memories from prior school years. This leads me to # 3… - Discuss the Upcoming School Year
Before school begins, take some time to talk to your child about what they can expect. For younger kids, you can talk about their new teacher, classmates, and any fun activities they might look forward to. For older kids, talking about any changes in school subjects, extracurriculars, or challenges they might face can help them feel more prepared. The more you discuss and normalize the transition, the less anxiety they are likely to feel. Make sure to listen to their concerns and answer any questions they may have so they feel supported and understood. If you don’t have an answer but can find out, tell them that and follow up. If it’s not that kind of question, ask them what they think and let them process through it that way. Sometimes children can create some internal peace for themselves just by having that supportive time to talk through it without you needing to give specific answers. Many schools have photos of the campus and teachers on their website, offer tours, etc which can help you familiarize your child with the physical appearance of the school if they haven’t attended before. - Reestablish Healthy Habits
The summer months can sometimes throw off healthy eating habits and exercise routines, but getting back to school offers a perfect opportunity to reset. Begin by reintroducing healthier meals and snacks, and get back into the habit of eating at regular times. Encourage physical activity by scheduling regular outdoor play, family walks, or even a weekend hike (stay hydrated in this desert heat!). Exercise helps with focus and mental clarity, so establishing a healthy routine will not only improve your child’s physical well-being but also prepare them mentally for the busy school year ahead. Also take the time to point out when your child handles something well to build their confidence that they can handle difficult things and remind them that they have your support. - Keep the Stress Low
Lastly, try to minimize any additional stressors during the transition. Avoid overwhelming your child with last-minute preparations or sudden changes. Plan ahead for things like school supplies, outfits, and paperwork to avoid rushing around at the last minute. Remember that this is a time of adjustment for everyone, and the more relaxed and organized you can be, the more your child will feel at ease. Create a calm and supportive atmosphere as your child navigates the change, and be patient as they get used to the new school year rhythm.
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