Back to School Tips
A new school year can be both an exciting and a stressful time for many families. Buying school supplies, managing pick-ups and drop-offs, and working around school schedules and extracurriculars can be overwhelming for many parents and caregivers. Your child might be nervous about the new school year, too, and may feel anxious about getting good grades or making new friends.
Thankfully there are ways to make the transition easier on you and your child. Read below for some tips on making back to school more manageable.
1. Get bedtime routines back on track. Start adjusting the sleeping schedule back to school hours now so it isn’t as much of a struggle on the first day.
2. Ask your kids how they are feeling about going back to school. You can provide reassurance if they are nervous or scared and share in the excitement of the parts they are looking forward to.
3. Start setting expectations about how homework time will go. By establishing the homework routine now, it gives your kids time to adjust and accept the routine making it simpler when the homework actually starts.
4. Check in on yourself. Back to school time is stressful for kids AND parents. Even though you’re busy, it’s important to try and make sure you are taking care of yourself too so you can be at your best for your children.
5. Ask for help. Whether you need help with establishing a bedtime routine, purchasing school supplies or other parenting challenges, reaching out for support is the best thing you can do for your family. Ask your friends, extended family and know that you can always come to Cope for support!