Sleep experts suggest gradually adjusting your childrens’ bedtime and wakeup time in the weeks leading up to the start of school. This will make the transition much easier when it’s time to go to bed and get up that first day. So if kids have been staying up until midnight and sleeping in the next day, have them go to bed at 11:30 the first week and wake up around 9. Adjust accordingly for a couple of weeks.
It’s recommended pre-schoolers get between 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night, while elementary and middle school students get nine to 11 hours of shut eye. High schoolers should be sleeping about eight to ten hours a night. When it comes to getting a quality night’s sleep make sure children are disconnecting from electronics. Create a charging zone in the living room and out of the bedroom. The light emitted by the screen can cause trouble falling asleep. Kids will also not be able to text or play games all night if their phone is out of reach.
Pick a weekend day or weeknight to make grab and go breakfast meals for the week. We like breakfast burritos made in mass and put in the freezer. The kids pop them in the microwave and have breakfast in a matter of moments. Also pack lunches, check homework and sign any paperwork the night before. Mornings can be chaotic for most.
Older kids might be harder to get excited about returning to school. But the experience can be more exciting for younger children. Make arrangements to visit the school before classes are back in session. Plan on a day the child’s teacher will be on hand. Also, include the child in the shopping for school supplies. Picking out items together will get them geared up for a new year of learning.
Start a Pinterest board with your children to create back to school boards for lunches, outfits, tips, hacks and other fun ways to get kids excited. Younger kids can start getting ready for school with fun games and activities, find a craft or small gift that your kids can give to their new teacher as an ice breaker. Older kids can find ways to organize their lockers, supplies, and homework. Make prepping for back to school a fun planning activity.
Stores are rolling out sales now for school supplies. Ads are online and you can visit your favorite websites and come up with a plan of attack. Most schools now post supply list online or have copies available in many popular stores. If you are able to, buy a few extra supplies to donate to the classroom for a student who may be in need or give items to one of the many charitable groups holding supply drives this time of year.
Before you get too far in the shopping process, consider this advice from a recent blog post by a teacher. Unless your school specifically requires these items, the teacher says leave them on the shelf:
Backpacks with rollers
Shoes with games on them
Getting everyone back on routine can be challenging, but once everyone is synched up it will be well worth. Don’t be sad summer break is nearly over, Christmas vacation will be here before you know it.
Check out our Back to School board on Pinterest.