August is knocking on the door, and stores are filled with “Back to School” supplies. Happy feelings are sure to flow as you walk into the local grocer or Target and see all of the bright folders, colored pencils, fresh erasers, and more. Even for those of us with grown kids, or no kids, this new season brings up memories in an instant. In today’s blog, we’re sharing gentle nudges for both students and their families.
Transitioning Back to School for Grown-Ups and Children
For Families
Make the Most of the Time Left Before School
The countdown is on. Plan one final outing to the museum, beach, lake, or a national park and make the day memorable. Think of the time as a back-to-school “finale” as you start the school year off on the right foot. Take the trip to see family, visit cousins in another town, or go somewhere that you’ve been dreaming about all summer.
Build a 2025 Summer Photo Album
Come together to make a shared album of all the special moments from the past few months. Download them and create a family album to share over a favorite meal. Let each person talk about the special moments and why they are meaningful. This dialogue is a great way to reinforce conversation skills at the table.
Get Back Into a Routine
Contemplate the rituals that have been pushed aside during the summer and start to find your routine again. A designated bedtime and wake-up schedule takes time to get accustomed to, and starting early will make the transition easier. Jot down healthy breakfast foods and build out some easy menus. Both students and families are more productive when they follow a routine that is beneficial to their health and well-being. Taking an early morning walk, eating a good breakfast, and scheduling an hour for self-care each day makes life more enjoyable.
Set Up a Kid-Friendly “Office”
Just like adults, kids need a place to call their own when they are doing their homework. Decide on school supplies for both work and home, and plan an outing to purchase. Find a nook, or special area in the house where your child can do their best work. A calm, clutter-free workspace is essential to productivity.
Go Through the Closet
This activity works well for both family members and students. Knowing what to wear each day makes the morning much easier. Get rid of old, worn-out clothing and donate what doesn’t fit.
Don’t Skip the Open House
It could be tempting to miss the introduction to the new teacher, but this is a vital step in starting the year off on the right foot. This is an opportunity to get involved at whatever level is comfortable, ask questions, and get to know the teacher. It’s also a starting point for meeting new parents and building new relationships.
For Kids
Parents – Remind Your Child:
- Include All Kids
- Be Polite – Use Kind Words
- Respect Personal Space
- Don’t Trade Food
- Listen/Respect the Teacher
- Ask for Help
You may also like Back to School and New Beginnings for All.
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