Backpacks, Bedtimes, & Big Goals

Summer break is coming to a close, and kids are beginning to lose sight of their seemingly endless free time, making the step back into a school routine feel more like a leap. Though time is tight, there are many opportunities to make the transition back to structure feel less overwhelming and ease the pressures of unfamiliar school dynamics.

Calming those “First Day Fears”

·      If given the opportunity, take your child to visit the new school or classroom before their first day. This will allow them to become familiar with the new space and make the transition easier by removing some of the anxiety of the unknown. If you are unable to get into the classroom, take some time to visit the playground and allow your child to become more comfortable in the new space. Any exposure can be beneficial for a new student experiencing some anxiety about the new school year. 

·      Keep things positive and always remind your child of what makes this new adventure fun and rewarding. Even scary experiences have a way of connecting us to new friends and giving us a sense of accomplishment as we overcome them.

·      Help your child get connected with new or existing friends to walk to school or share a bus ride with. Building a bond with another student can help ease some of the stress of the new school year and prevent those feelings of dealing with things alone.

Getting Sleep Schedules Back on Track

·      Beginning a week or two before the start of school, do your best to get the kids back into a routine that encourages a specific downtime period that allows them to decompress and get a proper night’s sleep. Academic achievement, among other things, is directly tied to the quality of a student’s sleep and making it a priority sets a standard for the whole school year. 

·      Limit screen time before bed. As challenging as it can be, the two hours before bed are crucial for quality sleep and keeping them clear of devices can ultimately help improve their sleep cycles.

Try an End-of-Summer Digital Detox

·      In the final weeks of summer, encourage kids to take a break from the constant stream of notifications and online content. Set a few screen-free hours every day or take intentional breaks from social media and gaming. Create some room for kids to feel more present and less distracted.

·      Encourage non-digital habits to promote time away from the screen. Create a place where kids can express themselves outside of the digital space, even if for only a few hours a day. These activities have great potential to sharpen their attention and build the focus they need for the classroom. 

·      Set up healthy tech habits for the year ahead by carrying the routines of the final week of summer into the school seasons. Encourage your kids to put away their devices during meals and before bedtime to make more room for face-to-face connection and give their minds the rest they need. Setting this goal can inspire healthier decision-making as the year continues.

Set Your Goals

·      Encourage your child to try something new this school year. They could join a sports team, a club, make a new friend, learn an instrument, or any number of things. Setting out to accomplish challenges, whether they be big or small, can build confidence and help kids embrace new opportunities.

·      Help your child turn those big goals into simple bite-sized steps they can practice every day. Whatever the goal may be, providing a way to achieve victories one step at a time makes progress easier to see. 

·      Often, setting out to achieve a goal is more about the journey than the destination. Checking in with your child throughout the year to celebrate the positive moments and adjust to the challenges is crucial. Recognize the small wins, because they build confidence and keep the motivation moving in the right direction.

It may feel like yet another task on top of an ever-growing list of responsibilities, but getting your children back into the swing of things for the beginning of school will set them up for a more successful transition. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, friends, or family who’s willing to step in. Do what you need to keep yourself together while you also re-establish healthy boundaries and effective routines for your family. Remember to rest and celebrate the little wins every day.

Be on the lookout for our Real Life Choices and New Roots Mentoring programs in your child’s school this year! These programs are designed to support students as they navigate challenges and discover their potential.

New Roots Mentoring will be serving students at Tecumseh, Greenon, and Catholic Central schools, while Real Life Choices will be reaching middle and high school students across seven counties.

We’re excited to connect with students and make a difference this school year!