Families For Life | Surviving the back-to-school transition
Going back to a new school year after an exciting holiday season can feel sudden for both parents and children. Switching back to structured routines and spending less time playing can feel difficult for young children to adapt to. Parents may feel the exhaustion of ensuring kids get to school on time, complete homework and keep up with their classes, all while juggling a 9-to-6. However, the back-to-school transition does not have to be a nightmare! With some early planning and consistency, you can help your child ease back into the school term with confidence. Read on for our tips on easing back into regular school routines together.
Validate their feelings
The switch back to regulated screen use, school preparations and earlier bedtimes won’t be easy on a young child. You might be met with lots of questions, resistance, and even meltdowns as they transition to a structured routine. Older children may feel stressed and anxious, particularly when they are progressing towards higher education.
Preparing yourself mentally for these situations will help you respond with patience and remain calm. By acknowledging your child’s feelings and encouraging them to share their emotions, you show them that you understand their concerns and are there to support them.
Take it step-by-step
Getting into a new schedule or routine doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice, refining, and the setting of clear expectations. Through consistency and some trial and error, your child will eventually get into the groove and follow the new routines with ease.
First, work with your child to create a school routine that is predictable and structured. Talk about morning routines, after school activities, setting time blocks for homework, screen use and playtime. You can also use visual aids like timetables or checklists so everyone in the family can easily refer to them. This will help your child understand what is expected of them and build their muscle memory in navigating their day.
Once your new schedule is set, take a few days before the first day of school to practice your new routines so you and your child can recalibrate in time. Consistency builds your child’s confidence and increases their trust in familiar things.
Mistakes are okay!
Much like anyone learning new things, your child won’t get their new routines right the first time. It may even take a while after school starts for your child to get into the swing of things. Even if you notice tantrums increasing or sibling fights occurring more often, it is part of your kids adjusting to stress and school life. Be patient, praise them frequently and guide them gradually through the change.
Be kind to yourself
Parents play arguably the biggest role in making the transition back to school smoother for your kids. You are also going through a period that is stressful, hectic and requires your full focus. So, even if things don’t go your way despite going through all the tips, you still did your best! Your continuous support will create a positive school experience for your child in the long run.
Back-to-school made easy!
Starting school again can be both exciting and scary for children, especially shifting from the flexibility of holidays back into the rigid structures of academics and homework. However, this transition can be made smoother by having routines in place earlier to help you and your child feel confident and ready to tackle the upcoming school year with confidence. Here’s to a fresh start for everyone!
References
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/Article/6-Ways-to-Ease-Your-Kids-Back-to-School
https://miquon.org/minimizing-and-surviving-the-transition-back-to-school/
https://www.agrader.sg/post/4-back-to-school-tips-for-easy-transition-after-the-holidays