10 Tips to Make the Transition Back to School Smoother

At Seeds Kids Worship, we know that starting the school year off on a good note can influence children’s attitude, confidence and performance both socially and academically. The degree of adjustment depends on the child, but parents can help their children (and the rest of the family) manage the increased pace of life by planning ahead, being realistic, and implementing a few back-to-school habits.

Re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines

Plan to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast). Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming overtired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores or other routine-based tasks that may have been suspended during the summer.

Create a family calendar

Utilize a shared electronic calendar to make a note of important back-to-school dates. This is especially important if you have more than one child and need to juggle additional obligations or family activities. Even creating a monthly paper calendar to hang on the refrigerator or common space could help children learn to follow the calendar as well.

Designate a clear place to do homework

It’s important to create a routine spot for children to complete their school work, younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision and encouragement. Older children could use a home office or have the option of studying in their room or another quiet area of the house.

Leave plenty of extra time

Make sure your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast and prepare for school. Remember, change can take time and their routine may have been very different over the last few months. Also mishaps occur – so allow for extra time; rushing can create even more anxiety in an already high stress situation.

Focus on the positives

It’s important to start the transition back to school by focusing on the positives; being able to see their friends and teachers excitement around a new daily routine and the opportunity to learn new things. Parents can help their children to focus on the things they might be looking forward to by asking them questions like, “What are you looking forward to on your first day of school?” or “What have you missed about school?” Once school starts, you can ask: “What was the best thing that happened today?”

Have honest and open discussions

It’s important to have honest, factual and open conversations with your child about returning to school. Tailor the depth and breadth of conversations based on your child’s age and maturity level. You can make them feel at ease by having an open conversation about what it is that’s worrying them and letting them know that it’s natural to feel anxious.

Let your children know you care

If your child is anxious about school, send personal notes in the lunch box or book bag. Reinforce the ability to cope. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let your child know that it is natural to be a little nervous anytime you start something new but that your child will be just fine once he or she becomes familiar with classmates, the teacher, and school routine.

Remain calm and positive

If the first few days are a little rough, try not to overreact. Young children in particular may experience separation anxiety or shyness initially but teachers are trained to help them adjust. If your child is able to be onsite for school, try not to linger when you drop them off. Reassure them that you love them, will think of them during the day, and will be back. If you are supporting a remote learning student at home, have some patience, this is just as challenging for them as it is for you. It’s important to be calm and proactive in your conversations with your children – check in with them to see how they are doing. Their emotions will change regularly and you need to show them that’s okay.

Don’t forget to make room for fun on the weekends.                           

You only have 940 weekends between when your child is born and they turn 18 years old, don't miss this moment. Let them stay up a little later on Friday night, let them sleep in a little longer on Saturday mornings. Schedule something fun to do over the weekend, give them something to look forward to during their stressful school week. 

Start each morning with prayer and worship

Pray for and with your children. Pray for the small things and the big things. Let your children each take turns leading prayer time. This time can even happen in the car, in the drop off lane in front of the school. These are the moments you may discover the true things weighing on their hearts. And don't forget the morning worship. Mornings start great with some Seeds Kids Worship songs. Because kids who song God's Word, know God's Word.