Summer is the time for leisure, relaxed schedules, and sleeping in. But the carefree days are numbered as summer is gradually coming to an end, and the dreaded back-to-school season is looming. The new school year means new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms. It’s a bittersweet transition from the carefree days to starting a new chapter of academic pursuits and scheduled routines. For both parents and kids, it may bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. While children may be anxious about fitting in, being away from their parents and caregivers, having new teachers, and keeping up with academics, parents also feel stressed as they worry about their wards.

Back-to-school comes with a lot of readjustments, from new sleep schedules to other logistics, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Worried about how to cope with the back-to-school worries and anxieties? We’ve got some helpful tips for both parents and children which will make the transition smoother.

Communication Helps

Talk about everything, from your feelings and fears to the previous academic term and the coming one. Talking to your child is always helpful and you can gauge how he or she feels so you can render soothing advice. Remind your child that every new activity comes with its challenges. But, no matter how challenging it may seem, it soon becomes easy and fun. Also, highlight all the happy and good things about going back to school. It is also a good time to talk about the previous term, and the new one, making friends and meeting new teachers.

No More Late Nights, Back to Early Bedtimes

Children may have gotten used to later bedtimes and sleeping in during the summer. A week or two before school resumes, it’s time to get back in school mode. Gradually encourage earlier bedtimes. Not getting enough sleep is linked with lower academic achievement, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness.

The children need to know that there’s a set bedtime back in place and a time for them to get up. This will help you and them ease into a back-to-school sleep schedule. By the time school starts, both you and your kids will have already transitioned into a sleep pattern that aligns with the school year’s early morning demands and it will be one less worry for your family.

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Goodbye Play Things, Welcome To Study

It’s time to reduce time spent playing games and gradually take these items away in preparation for the term ahead. This will ensure that these gadgets do not interfere with homework and sleep. Balance is key. There should be time for study and play. Creating a schedule is an important step for kids to build a habit. Consistency makes it easier for them to focus and be successful in school. When kids start practicing their school routine ahead of time, it will help the body and mind adjust to the schedule.

Get School Supplies

As parents, it’s important to shop for the necessary supplies before school resumes. Prepare a checklist and shop early. This will save you the stress of last-minute rushes and running around after resumption. You can also take the kids along as this will make them feel more positive and excited about going back to school. Help them plan and organize their back-to-school supplies. Also, label these supplies and clothing to prevent loss.

Set New Goals

Help your child set down realistic goals for the new academic term and create a plan to achieve them. It could be putting more effort into a particular subject he or she is struggling with or increasing their scores so they can top the class. This will keep them motivated and focused and also help them get ready to conquer and be productive.

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Do a Test Run Before School Resumes

Make the first day less overwhelming by visiting the school ahead of time. Practice the drop-off routine and let your child experience the school environment before the academic year begins. Getting familiar with the new environment can help reduce some of the child’s anxiety. Meeting their teacher, locating their classroom, and walking through the school can make the first day feel less intimidating. If the school has open house events where the parents get to meet the teachers before the school begins, take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your child’s teacher. This discussion can help the teacher understand the child in quick time and also put the parent’s mind at ease.

Stay Organized

Organization is key as you prepare for the new term. If you think the first week will be challenging from a time-management perspective, cook some meals you can freeze to give you more time when school finally resumes. Practice planning meals and packing lunch boxes with your child. This will help you make healthier choices and also support the child’s sense of independence.

You will also need to organize your child’s clothing ahead. Give out whatever they will not be needing. This will help reduce the time you spend trying to sort out what they will wear each day.

Take it Easy, One Step at a Time

Going straight back into school – seeing classmates and teachers again all at once – might be a lot to handle, triggering feelings of anxiety. Parents need to provide children with the emotional support they need to cross over this phase. How can they achieve this? By creating opportunities for gradual resocialization, such as playdates or small group gatherings for your child with a few school friends in the days before school starts. This can help ease the back-to-school shock.