When school lets out for the summer, both kids and parents jump for joy. Home becomes a little sweeter, the weight of school assignments is lifted, and the only worry in the world is making sure we take advantage of the sunny weather while it’s here. But come the last weeks of July, the realization that fall is just around the corner sets in.

No matter how many times we successfully make the transition from school to summer break and back again, any major transition always seem like a huge feat. After hearing years and years of client worries, we decided to create a guide to beat the “back-to-school blues.” Continue reading to find out what tips you can implement in the new school year.

1. Ease Back into the Routine

It generally takes 1-2 weeks to create a routine or habit. This means we need to give ourselves and our kids time to adjust before it feels “normal” to be back in school. You can accelerate the transition by starting the school-time sleep routine 1-2 weeks before school starts, allowing both the children’s and parent’s bodies to adjust.

2. Talk About What Makes School FUN

Talk with your kids about aspects of school they enjoy, whether it be their teachers, friends, or activities. Here are a few questions you can ask to queue excitement:

  • Which friends are you looking forward to seeing?
  • Which class/activity are you most excited about?
  • What is your teacher like?
  • What should we do together as a family after your first day?

These are just a few questions you can ask your child to get the conversation and excitement going.

3. Prepare by Planning

By planning ahead, you and your child will be ready for anything. Most schools have a syllabus or course planner available online. Help your future self by going over what the school year looks like before the first day. Walking through it with your child will also help them feel more comfortable. And if you want to take planning a step further, think about picking clothes out the night before, packing backpacks before bed, and creating a meal planner to optimize lunch choices.

4. Connect with the Teacher

Teachers generally welcome any advice or feedback you have when it comes to helping your child succeed. And if you’re worried about the timing of a big project or a family vacation, it’s best to let the teachers know ahead of time. The earlier, the better.

5. Start Stretching your Mental Flexibility

No matter how structured you are or how ingrained your routine is, things happen. Whether it’s work, the weather, a sports tournament, or a standardized test, life throws curve balls at the most inconvenient times. Learning to add a little flexibility to your routine without letting it shift your mood is an important skill to have. We love the idea of awarding the most adaptable member of your family with the “Gold Medal in Mental Gymnastics.” This is a great incentive for children who struggle with change.

Adapting to change is often a challenge for many. But with a few tips and tricks, you and your family will take on this school year with ease. But if your child still has difficulty adjusting after two or three weeks, you may want to reach out for advice. Our team is ready with helpful ways to reduce anxiety, minimize back-to-school blues, and get your student back on track. Reach out to us today to learn more.

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