Summer is almost over, which means it is time to start thinking about going back to school. The idea of getting back into a normal routine can be overwhelming for many families as summer can often feel like a free-for-all.
Here are some tips to help ease the transition:
1. Practice a morning routine the week before school starts. This means waking up, getting ready, and heading out the door when you normally would during the school year.
2. Pack backpacks and make lunches the night before to help limit the craziness in the morning. Involve your kids in this process to build independence and responsibility! Make a checklist of what needs to be in the backpack to assist the child in knowing what to pack.
3. Make a visual schedule to assist with the morning routine. Your kids will benefit from following a schedule and knowing the order to complete steps.
4. Prepare your child for what is to come! For many preschoolers and kindergarteners, going to school may feel scary. Read books on going back to school, talk them through what a school day will look like, and take a walk around the outside of the school to help build familiarity. If your school district hosts a teacher meet and greet, take advantage of that as well!
