5 Ways to Get Back into a School Routine
As summer comes to an end, the start of a new school year is just around the corner. It is natural for both children and parents to experience a mix of emotions during this transition. After months of relaxed schedules and summer fun, returning to a structured school routine can feel overwhelming.
While some back-to-school jitters are completely normal, ongoing stress and anxiety should not be overlooked. Long-term stress can begin to affect a child's overall mental and physical well-being. “Over time, chronic stress may contribute to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Beginning the school year with a positive, supportive transition can reduce unnecessary stress and encourage a healthier start to the school year,” says Nina Yang MD, a pediatrician at PIH Health.
Fortunately, making a few simple changes in the final weeks of summer can help the adjustment feel much easier. Through reintroducing healthy routines and preparing ahead of time, you can help your child feel more confident and excited about returning to school while also helping yourself feel organized and ready for the busy school season.
Ease Into Earlier Mornings and Reestablish a Morning Routine
One of the first steps to success is resetting your child’s sleep schedule. One to two weeks before classes start, begin shifting your child’s schedule towards school hours. Set the alarm 10 to 15 minutes earlier each day to ease them back into those early mornings.
Along with earlier wake up times, it is also a great idea to start practicing your child’s morning routine for school. Have them brush their teeth, get dressed, and eat breakfast earlier to practice being ready to leave for school. This allows your child to start building those habits that help minimize the morning chaos.
Reintroduce School-Year Expectations
While summer often brings more flexibility, the school year requires more structure, including completing chores, going to bed earlier, and spending less time on electronics. Take the time to sit down with your child and review what is expected from them during the school year. Rather than introducing these expectations the first day of school, begin reestablishing them beforehand. Giving your child time to adjust gradually can help reduce stress for the whole family and ultimately ease the transition back to classes.
Make Back-to-School Fun with School Supply Shopping
Shopping for school supplies can help build excitement for the year ahead. Help your child feel involved in the process and allow them to choose their backpack, lunch box, notebooks, pencils, or other supplies when possible. Having input in these decisions can give your child something to look forward to as the first school day approaches.
Refresh the Brain with Fun Learning Activities
In the weeks leading up to the new school year, encourage activities that get your child's brain reengaged.
Reading together, completing puzzles, playing board games, or doing arts and crafts are all great exercises for younger children. Older kids may prefer to read a new book, listen to an educational podcast, or watch a documentary. These activities can help reactivate learning skills while keeping those last days of summer enjoyable and low pressure.
Create a Safe Space for Talking about Feelings
Returning to school brings many emotions, and it is perfectly normal for children to feel nervous, excited, or somewhere in between.
Ask your child how they feel about going back to school. Do your best to listen without judgment and validate their emotions. Remind them that most other students feel the same way. You can also help ease their worries by talking about positive memories from previous school years to remind them that they have successfully navigated a first day of school before. A little reassurance can go a long way in helping children feel confident about what is ahead.
A Smooth Start Makes a Big Difference
As your family gets ready for the first day of school, remember that a healthy start can help set the stage for a successful year.
Whether it’s an annual checkup, required school vaccinations, or addressing any health concerns before classes begin, your child’s pediatrician is an important partner every step of the way.
Ning Yang MD
Dr. Yang chose to become a physician in order to have a positive impact upon others’ lives. She specialized in pediatrics because she loves working with children, and as a mother of two says the experience of raising her own children has helped her understand the feelings, concerns and needs of her patients’ parents. Dr. Yang received the Outstanding Doctoral Thesis at Capital Medical University and the Jon I. Isenberg Endowed Fellowship at UCSD. She received the Elizabeth Nash Memorial Fellowship Award and a New Horizons Research Grant, both for research in cystic fibrosis. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, Zumba, crafts, cooking and spending time with her family.
View Dr. Yang's Profile
