5 End of Summer Tips for an Easier Back to School Transition
Whether school makes you jump with joy or wilt with exhaustion, it is definitely a shift in routine from summer. While I know school years are different everywhere, my three are starting in the next couple weeks. Since it's on my mind, I wanted to let you know a few of the ways I'm preparing for a more peaceful transition back into the school routine, and you can too. This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.
Learn how you can support your child in being more organized and responsible. I recommend the book Smart but Scattered for learning about executive function (how we plan, organize, control emotions and more).
Find out your family's strengths and learn how to improve in areas where you are weak. This book will go on my list of books that changed my life this year.
Consider investing in a visual timer if you have children who have a poor grasp of time. We will be practicing using this magnetic visual timer with my notoriously slow kindergartner so she can get out the door on time.
Decide if you want to teach any new chores prior to the beginning of the school year. We are working on our morning routine, which includes feeding the animals and unloading dishes in our house. I'd like to get it nailed down now before we add in the stresses of school.
Start moving bedtime back if it's crept later and later with the longer summer days. Sleep is absolutely critical for learning, and I'd rather they get used to the earlier hours now than trying to pry them out of bed on the first day back to school. Kim West, The Sleep Lady, has more tips on transitioning sleep for back to school here.
Make a screen time plan for once school starts. I have a post with ideas and questions to consider on making making media rules that work for your family here. In it you can see examples from a number of different families on how they tackle this issue.
Hoping the rest of your summer break is beautiful! Let me know if you have any other struggles you'd like help or resources for as you head back to school this year.
Have a kid who struggles with your family routines? The new book Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day offers a bunch of tools that empower kids to be their own best advocate and problem solver. You can find out more about this revolutionary book here.
Plus – Order before August 15th and you can get this bonus pack! Just go here and PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE SUPERKIDS ACTIVITY GUIDE TO CONQUERING EVERY DAY TODAY and then forward your receipt to preorder@superkidsguide.com to redeem.
Alissa Zorn is an author, and founder of the website Overthought This. She's a coach and cartoonist passionate about helping people overcome perfectionism and shame to build authentic, joyful lives. Alissa is certified through the International Coach Federation and got her Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from Moving the Human Spirit. She wrote Bounceback Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, and is always following curiosity to find her next creative endeavor.