Summer is filled with lots of fun, rest, and relaxation. This often means staying up later than usual, waking up later than expected, and more lax rules around tv and technology use. As much fun as summer is, it often flies by in the blink of an eye, and before we know it, you are faced with getting back into the school and work routines that dictate your calendar.
While the adjustment from summer to back to school can be challenging, often times it is a welcome change for parents, and many times children. As school approaches, for most children, the excitement for back-to-school shopping, seeing peers and friends, and meeting new teachers starts to build, however, this is not true for all children. Some children see an increase in anxiety as the school year approaches.
Regardless of which category your child falls into, adjusting to earlier bedtimes, early morning routines, and more structured access to technology is challenging. Therefore, it is important to start to ease back into the expected routines gradually. Below are some tips and tricks to set your child up for a successful transition back to school.
Ease into the transition:
Start to adjust betimes slowly up to two weeks before the first day of school but no less than one week out. Some children may need more time, and others may adjust faster. This means slowly setting the expectation for earlier and earlier bedtimes, and earlier and earlier wakeups.
Set morning and evening routines that mirror that of the school year
Upon waking up, create morning routines that align with what children will need to follow on the first day of school. For example, wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, play on iPad, get on the bus. Similarly, set evening routines that will minimize the amount of work needed to get ready in the morning. For example, pack your backpack for the next day and play by the door, pick out clothes the night before, shower, brush teeth, read a story, and go to bed.
Incorporate motivation into morning routines to reduce stress
Have your child help pick out a special alarm clock for back-to-school wakeups. Perhaps, one that sings a song and is shaped like their favorite character from a show and sings their favorite song at wake-up, or one that shines pretty lights at wake-up. If an alarm clock is not an option use your child’s favorite stuffy and pretend the stuffy is waking them up, while speaking for the stuffy. Give your child a transition toy/stuffy to go through the motions of their morning routine with them. Setting your child up for a gentle, pleasant wake-up will make the morning routine much easier. Create additional motivation by letting your child know that if they complete their morning routines by x time, or when the timer rings, they will have some time to play with toys, or watch tv.
Create a checklist
Create a visual schedule/checklist for your child to follow. Laminate it and make it interactive, so your child knows exactly what to expect and can check off their progress as they are getting closer to their attaining their motivator (toys, technology etc.).
Destress following routines
Put access to toys and distractions out of reach and out of sight. If the goal is for your child to access that upon the successful completion of an expected routine, having free access to that will mean that they can get it before the routine is complete. This will likely create a battle, add more stress, and throw routines off balance.
Use a timer to assist with transitions
If your child does not understand the concept of time, or cannot read a clock, use a timer to assist with transitions and tasks. A timer will give your child a concrete understanding of how long each task will take, and how long they have.
Give choice where available
Children often have very little control over their days and are subject to routines and structures imposed by adults. Choice is not only important to developing the expression of likes, dislikes, and self-advocacy, but also helps to give your child a sense of autonomy and control over their environment. Therefore, it is important to offer choice whenever possible within the context of routines. For example, have your child pre-select their lunches, and snacks. They can provide input on the types of snacks and lunches they want to eat at school, within reasonable parameters of course!
Curb Anxiety
If your child is nervous about going back to school prepare them by associating school with positive experiences. You can visit the school itself before the school year starts or go play in the school playground. Have your child meet their teachers ahead of time, if possible. You can always email the principal to arrange something in advance. Staff are typically present in school up to two weeks prior to the start of the school year. Listen to your child actively, empathize with them, read “back to school” stories, and watch “back to school” shows.
Regardless of whether your child is excited or anxious about the start of the school year, easing back into a school routine will help to make the transition less stressful, and the start of the school year more successful. Wishing all our friends an exciting school year filled with meaningful connections and friendships.
About The Hangout Spot
The Hangout Spot is a behavior analytic social skills development center for children of all ages and abilities. Everything we do is evidence-based and rooted in the FUNdamentals of science. We believe that that all children have a right to meaningful relationships with others and we strive to eliminate the barriers to friendship and empower children to be socially successful and more confident. You can learn all about us at www.thahangoutspotllc.com.