Make a Smooth Transition from Summer to School

New classes, new teachers, new friends… the start of a new school year can be a stressful time for children. Help ease back-to-school jitters and start the year off right with these helpful ideas.

• Start the new school schedule a week early. Have your kids wake up, eat breakfast and go to bed at school-year times for a full week before the first day.
• Ease the morning madness by helping your children plan what they will wear the night before. Packing lunches and backpacks ahead of time also helps get you out the door sooner.
• Help a shy child learn how to make friends. Practice asking for a classmate’s name and giving his or hers in return.
• Create an organized after-school routine. Teach your child to leave her backpack in the same spot and do her homework at the same time every day to encourage a life-long habit.
• Be sure to have healthy, attractive snacks ready and waiting to tame the after-school munchies. Stock the fridge with a bowl of colorful cut-up fruit or a sundae glass filled with low-fat yogurt and berries.
• Connect with your kids by eating dinner together several times a week and sharing the events of your day.
• Don’t over-schedule children with extracurricular activities. A packed schedule will stress you out and make your young ones feel overwhelmed. Kids need quiet, free time to just be kids.

Your children will pick up on your personal feelings about back-to-school. If you’re excited, your enthusiasm will become part of your child’s experience. If you’re anxious and worried, those feelings will also transfer to your child. Remember to keep a positive attitude about going to school so your kids can enjoy a happy healthy year.