One of the many joys of life for most children is summer vacation. It is a time defined by imagination, play, swimming, BBQs, ice cream trucks, and beach getaways. It is a moment in time when you are expected to just play and let the kids be kids. Then suddenly it happens, as a child you see it, a yellow bus practicing its route, water balloons and coolers replaced with notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. The end of summer is approaching, the school year is almost here, and panic starts to creep in for both you and your child. So how can we best prepare for this transition? Here is a list of 3 ways that you can help your child transition back to school from summer vacation.
- Gradual Adjustments to Establish/ ReEstablish Routines
- The summer is a more relaxed and less structured time for most but especially children. The school setting is generally a structured setting in which the child follows a set schedule and has the same routine every day. It is important to remember that establishing or reestablishing routines is a difficult task for anyone that requires time and repetition. You can help your child transition back to school by gradually returning to routines a few weeks before school starts. Gradually begin to set earlier wake-up times and earlier bedtimes until they are back on their regular school schedule. This will help the body adjust in time for the academic year. Begin to incorporate transition times in their schedule to simulate school routines that incorporate reading, puzzles, educational games, and meal times. Knowing what comes next is a major part of school systems and helps us feel secure and organized.
- Organize Supplies and Prepare Together
- Preparing is a great tool to master and helps ease our minds and help us manage stress and anxiety. Transitioning back to school can cause both stress and anxiety for the child and the parent. Do your best to work as a team with your child. Shopping for school supplies and organizing school materials can be done together and can help a child feel empowered. Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the day before to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Open Communication and Experience
- This last point is simple, Talk to your child. Sometimes we won’t be able to stop the feelings of stress and anxiety and it is our job as parents to normalize these feelings with our children and help them to feel comfortable expressing and discussing those feelings. Communicating and talking about those feelings as well as upcoming transitions or changes can help a child better process, understand, and feel safe/ secure. It can also help and be beneficial to practice morning school routines as well as visit the school before the academic year begins. This can help the school building be less intimidating on the first day.
It is important to remember that every child is unique and different, so tailor these tips to best fit your child’s personality and needs. Transitioning from summer vacation to school is a great time for parents to reflect on parenting styles and try new methods for the academic year. Remember, transitions are hard for everyone including our children, patience and repetition will help ease times of transition.
