Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
School started last week, and for most of us (parents), that’s a good thing. There’s something to be said about having a schedule and knowing that kids are keeping busy.
However, there can also be challenges that arise at the beginning of the school year—with the biggest being getting back on a schedule. Summer was free and fun, so having to go to bed at a specific time and getting up early can sound absolutely terrible.
Not only do kids get exhausted by this change, but school can be exhausting for parents as well. It takes a lot of energy and effort to get kids up and moving in the morning, in addition to picking them up after school and taking them to activities and/or helping them with homework.
Everyone may find themselves dragging and feeling grumpy the first few weeks of school.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to get back into a school schedule. Here are some tips:
1. Be Consistent
One of the reasons summer is so magical (and chaotic) is because for many people, the schedule is wide open and flexible. Kids get to stay up late and sleep in. Families go on vacation and/or spend their days outside enjoying the weather.
Once school starts, that flexibility is thrown out the window. Kids and parents have to be somewhere at a specific time, which more than likely means waking up to alarms and getting a ton of stuff done before walking out of the house.
At night, there’s still a ton of stuff that needs to be done before going to bed.
Being consistent can help with the transition back to a school schedule. While no one may want to get up super early each morning, do. Then, do the same things day after day—whatever that looks like.
You also want to make sure you leave the house at the same time each day. That keeps everyone in the family moving so that they can get the day started.
Consistency at the end of the day is just as important. Over the summer, open schedules mean being outside late into the evening or watching YouTube videos for hours on end. With school in session, there is more than likely homework and other activities that keep students and parents busy. Keeping a schedule ensures that everything gets done and everyone gets to bed at a decent hour.
2. Save Some Free Time
Not only is it important to stay consistent with your schedule, but you also want to make sure you and your family have some free time. It’s much too easy to cram your schedule full of all the things—from sports to music to tutoring to whatever! However, the busier you make your schedule, the sooner everyone becomes exhausted.
Free time gives everyone a break. You know your family best, so you decide how much free time is necessary for everyone to recharge and have a little fun. You can schedule free time each and every day, or you can save it all up for the weekend—whatever works best for you!
3. Use Your Resources
Transitioning from summer back to school can be a trying time for everyone, which means that you aren’t alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. No one said you had to go through that alone. That’s when using your resources can be beneficial.
What does that mean, exactly?
Well, it will be different for everyone. Maybe it means talking to some other parents and setting up a shuttle service. Ride-sharing can reduce a lot of stress and make sure everyone shows up to where they need to be on time.
For those who work late, finding a trusted babysitter can reduce a lot of worries and ensure their kids are safe.
Maybe you struggle helping your kiddo with school assignments, so finding a tutor can be beneficial for you and your child.
The scenarios are endless when it comes to needs, but know that for most concerns you have, there is a solution, as long as you ask.
Falling Back Into Routine
While the first few weeks of school may seem incredibly hectic, thankfully it doesn’t take long to fall back into a routine. Soon, everyone will be used to the new school schedule and days will flow smoothly.
Until then, do what you can to keep your head above water. You’ve got this!
