School is right around the corner, is your child ready? After a fun, busy summer it may seem difficult to focus on the big day that’s quickly approaching. There are many things you can do to help your child get ready for the new school year. It starts with a few changes to their daily routine. Making these changes will help prepare your child and make the transition easier when that first day arrives.
Daily routines:
- Wake up earlier. Start waking your child up 30 minutes earlier. Have them wake up at the new time for a few days, then move the wake-up time again until the desired time becomes routine.
- Go to bed earlier. Since you are waking your child up earlier, then it makes sense to have them go to bed earlier as well. Getting enough sleep is essential for children. Follow this guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics to make sure your child is receiving the correct amount of sleep:
- Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours
- Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours
- Teens 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours
- Limit screen time. Too much screen time can have negative effects on your child. Decrease your child’s screen time and help them focus on activities that will help them be ready for school. Play fun games that include math and reading. Also spend time exploring by doing science or social studies type activities.
Health Checks
Don’t forget physicals and vaccines that are necessary for your child to get registered for school. If sports will be a part of the school year it’s necessary to get an appointment for a physical as soon as possible. Doctor’s offices fill up quickly with these appointments. Follow the guidelines from Johns Hopkins Medicine to get information on vaccinations your child may be needing.
Get Excited!
Finally, help your child get excited about school. Share some of your best memories of your school days. Show your enthusiasm and it will rub off on them.
Also ask them what they are excited about. Elaborate on their thoughts and be positive on whatever it is that they can’t wait to do. Help your child set a goal for the school year that will help them get excited. It could be as simple as learning to shoot basketballs in PE or a little more complex such as not missing a single day of school.
Don’t forget school shopping!
Of course, don’t forget school shopping! Make buying school supplies fun and exciting. School shopping can be expensive, especially if you have several children to buy for but, there are ways to work around those costly items. Consider strategies and helpful resources to combat the high costs of back to school.
In conclusion, help your child start their school year off on the right foot. It will make the transition easy for you, your child, and even their teacher will thank you too!
This is an article that will help a lot of families get ready for school.
Great advice Tina. The advice on modifying children’s wake and sleep schedule is important for parents as well. When my daughter was school age we always made a big deal out of shopping for school supplies. I’d walk into the store, take a deep breath and say “I’m so excited, I can smell the fresh pencils and erasers from here”