This past week has been a flurry of shopping activity. Take a look around your local mall, Target, Walmart or similar stores, you’ll likely notice the tell-tale signs of back-to-school shopping; overflowing bins of crayons and glue, notebooks in all colors occupying entire shelves and sections, and way more people shopping.
It is that time of year when kids and parents frantically get all the things they need to get students back in the classroom. Summer break is over, and a new routine is about to begin. Sometimes getting back into the school routine can be stressful and challenging for both students and parents. Here are a few helpful tips to hopefully make that transition a bit smoother.
Back to School Shopping - Set a Budget
· Maybe your child has grown several inches over the summer, wore out their tennis shoes playing outside all summer, or their previous backpack has a broken zipper; back to school shopping can be expensive. Setting a budget in advance can make it less stressful for everyone. If your children are old enough to understand budgets and choices, this can be a great lesson on how to utilize resources to get the things they need, without breaking the budget. Upcycle and thrift stores may become their new go-to stores. Or perhaps utilizing coupons and seeking out store sales may help the budget. It is a great way to help get your kids involved and help you stay on track because everyone understands the budget upfront.
Begin Routines Early
· It is lighter longer in the summer which sometimes leads to later bedtimes and longer sleep-in times. This sounds nice but is not something that can continue when school begins. It is important kids are getting enough sleep each night so they can be alert and ready to participate and learn in the classroom.
· Begin getting back into your school year bedtime routine two weeks before school starts. It might mean moving the bedtime up 15-20 minutes each night and waking them that much earlier each morning. It is helpful for the child, you and the teacher if a child begins the school year getting the recommended nightly hours of rest for their age and in a routine to be on-time for school.
Understand and Listen to Your Child
· Beginning a new school year is exciting for many students, but for some, they may be experiencing some anxiety. Having a new teacher or classroom or starting at a new school may cause some nervousness. Have conversations with your children about school starting and listen to their responses. If they are feeling anxious, talk with them and understand their concerns and determine if there are things you can do to help ease their concerns. Perhaps you can set up a time to visit the school in advance. If you have attended that school previously, perhaps setting up a park meet-up with a couple of other students in their grade or class prior to the first day will help the transition back to school.
Be Positive
· Positive thinking can have a beneficial impact both physically and mentally and it can be contagious to those around you. Individuals who have a more positive outlook usually cope better with stress, have a better immunity and works well with others.
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