Getting ready to send your kids back to school can be stress-inducing for even the most prepared parents. In fact, the back-to-school stress isn’t limited only to the parents, but the children can also feel it. Between dealing with hours of homework, studying for tests, and coping with friendship drama, your kids may be feeling a little overwhelmed with their return to classes.
This year doesn’t have to be stressful. Rather than frantically running around like a chicken with your head cut off every morning, making sure that everything is in order, start developing good habits and routines with your children that will help to relieve some of the stress you have experienced in years before.
Get Organized
Avoid the rush of school mornings and get yourselves organized in advance. Have a location designated especially for your little one to leave their backpacks; ideally, this would be close to their homework station. Do a weekly check to make sure that everything stays in its specific place.
Pack lunches the night before, lay out outfits and clothes to ensure that everyone knows what they are wearing, and consult your calendar to make sure you are aware of any special events that are coming up. Have the kids help you with organizing these things.
When the children know what to expect on school mornings, this will provide peace of mind for all of you.
Get Involved
Many different schools have plenty of chances for students to get involved in school activities, especially as the children get older. Find an organization that interests your little one to give them a space they can feel safe while at school. This will give your kids a chance to develop personal skills like teamwork and leadership and meet people with similar interests.
When your children have people they feel they can trust at school, it doesn’t seem so scary, and they will have a sense of belonging. Think about your kids’ interests and what their schedule will be open to, then have them choose to join it. This may seem like a big step for them at first, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Plan Everything
Having a planner on hand to organize meetings, doctor’s appointments, and extracurriculars can help to eliminate stress. Often, children are provided with a planner by their school, and they can use it to record relevant information like homework assignments, projects, and test dates.
Planners can help to reduce the stress involved with busy schedules, aiding with time management. This can also help to teach lifelong organization skills to your kids. Ensure your children are referring to their planners regularly to help them learn to prioritize different tasks and be prepared for class.
Have a Routine
Getting the right amount of sleep each night is imperative to a child’s mood, focus, and development. A healthy sleep routine can also help to limit stress.
Create a routine that your children will follow every single night. Whether that means taking a bath, reading a book, or stretching before bed, your kids will be able to predict the next step. Attempt to limit screen time at least 2 hours before bed, as it can be more challenging for your little ones to sleep after watching TV or playing video games.
A school morning routine is as important as a bedtime routine. Try to follow a similar method when waking up each day. Getting dressed, eating breakfast, and making sure their backpacks are appropriately packed before setting off for school each day.
Making back to school less stressful is essential for both students and parents alike. We want our children to have a positive mindset when it comes to their education, and limiting stress is the best way to do that.
