The end of summer can be a challenging time for children and families. It marks the end of one routine and the start of another, which can be especially difficult for children of all ages.

Whether it is a new school year or the first time your child is starting school, the transition can be tough. But with the right tools and a bit of planning, you can help your child make the transition smoothly.

Establish a Routine

When children have a routine, they feel secure, which is especially important when starting a new school year. Establish a bedtime and wake-up time that works for your family and stick to it.

The routine should also include time for homework, after-school activities, and any chores. Consistency is the key to success, and the more your child knows what to expect, the easier it will be for them to adapt.

Encourage Independence

As your child gets older, it is important to give them more freedom and independence.

Letting them choose their clothes for the day, packing their backpack, and picking out their lunch/snack are all ways you can encourage your child to be more independent. Start by giving your child small tasks, and as they complete them successfully, give them more challenging tasks.

Talk About Their Feelings

Starting a new school year can be an emotional time for your child. Some of the feelings they may have include anxiety, excitement, and nervousness. Let your child know that it is okay to have these feelings and that you are there to support them.

Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult about how they are feeling, and validate their feelings. Doing so will help them feel understood and more comfortable with the transition.

Visit the School Beforehand

Visiting the school before the first day can help ease your child’s anxiety. It will give them a chance to see where their locker is, find their classroom, and meet their teachers.

If possible, attend any open houses or orientation sessions offered by the school. Doing so will help your child become familiar with the environment and give them a sense of what to expect.

Get Organized

Organizing your child’s school supplies, backpack, and homework area will help set them up for success. Have a designated homework area where your child can work on their homework in a quiet environment.

Label all of their school supplies with their name and organize them in their backpack. Doing so will help your child stay on top of their assignments and keep their school supplies organized throughout the year.

Encourage Active Learning

Encourage your child to actively participate in their learning. This can be done by asking them questions about what they are learning, helping them find answers to their questions, and participating in conversations with them.

Also, encourage your child to ask questions in school, participate in class discussions, and work on projects with classmates. Doing so will help your child engage more with their learning and make it a more positive experience.

Be Positive

Starting a new school year can be a challenging time for parents as well. But it is important to be positive and supportive for your child.

Remember, children pick up on our energy, so if you are anxious or stressed, it can impact your child’s attitude towards the transition. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of starting a new school year, such as new friendships, learning new things, and having fun experiences.

Stay Involved

Staying involved in your child’s education is important throughout the year, but especially during the transition. Attend any parent-teacher conferences, volunteer in the classroom, and participate in school events.

Doing so will help you stay informed about what your child is learning and how they are adapting to the transition.

Provide a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for your child’s physical and mental well-being. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

For a boost of energy at school, provide your child with healthy snacks such as nuts, cut-up fruit or veggies, or whole-grain crackers. Additionally, make sure your child is drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for your child’s well-being, especially during times of transition. Children need an average of 9-12 hours of sleep each night, depending on their age.

To ensure your child is getting enough sleep, establish a bedtime routine, create a relaxing environment, and avoid electronics before bedtime.