6 Tips for Getting Back into the School Routine
August 12, 2011, By Jack Heffron 0 comments
Though the dog days of the long hot summer will linger on for a while, it’s time to turn our attention to the kids heading back to school. Life around the house always changes at this time of year—at least it does at my house. There's much to do to get ready for the new routine, and with their freedom suddenly curtailed, my kids can be a little grumpy. Their dad isn’t feeling so great either.
Getting into the school routine can be a stressful, chaotic time for any family, but by keeping a few tips in mind that I’ve learned over the years you can make the next weeks run a little smoother.
1. Set the New Structure in Advance. Get back into the school-year routine before the first day by shifting into it gradually—going to bed and getting up earlier, scheduling consistent meal times and, perhaps most importantly, limiting playtime. During the summer, the kids enjoyed more time hanging out with their friends, watching television and playing video and computer games. Adjusting their schedules to school mode can be difficult for them. It will be easier if they get back into the school routine before they actually have homework assignments and new demands on their time. By the first day of classes, they’ll be ready to go because they’ve already adapted to the changes.
2. Place a calendar where everyone can see it. Hanging a calendar on the refrigerator or some other spot where everyone has access to it helps keep everyone on the same page—literally. On the calendar, note dates and times for the fall extracurricular activities, such as soccer practice, guitar lessons and club meetings. No surprises, no excuses. Everybody knows who needs to be where and when.
3. Reduce stress by expecting it. Time for a family meeting. Sit down with everyone and talk about the upcoming transition. Make clear that you’re all sharing the new responsibilities and the stress. Let the kids know your expectations and what you will do to help them. This approach can reduce the you-against-them dynamic that can lead to conflict. Instead, the chaos becomes a shared experience. And then arrange a family outing or a special meal with a back-to-school theme so that stress isn’t the only thing you’re sharing.
NEXT: Organize school supplies early
