Summer was amazing. Between days filled with camp, water parks, and an unforgettable family vacation, how do you transition back to school mode? Here are some helpful tips on how to survive the first week of school.
ONE WEEK BEFORE
Summers call for lenient wake up and bedtimes. Schedules are, for the most part, tossed out the door to allow for a more relaxed environment. One week before school is scheduled to start, I recommend you tighten the reins a bit.
Start getting the kids back into the swing of school schedules – bedtimes, wake-up times, allowable time (if any) for electronics. This will make it less of a “shock” when the first day rolls around. Ease them into the earlier bedtime by cutting their evenings short 15 minutes at a time. Do the same with wake-up times.
Once school starts, electronics are off limits until homework is completed, studying is done and their rooms are in somewhat of an order.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
The night before a school day is going to be as important, if not more important, than the day itself. Organize as much as you can the night before. Put out the next morning’s outfits, including underwear and accessories. I like to pick out outfits with the boys in hopes of getting them excited for the next day.
Make sure shoes are by the door. If you prepare lunches at home, prep as much as you can the night before. Pick some of their favorite snacks and, if they are younger, add a little note to brighten their day!
THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
The first day or two of school is going to be filled with getting acclimated to so many different things! The new teacher(s), students, school schedules…it’s a lot to take in. When the kiddos come home, go through all of the papers they’ve received – syllabuses, school supply requests, etc.
Note what the teachers request above and beyond what is required and try to help out with donations if you can. I’ve learned that teachers lay out a lot of their own hard earned money on items for their classroom and students. I try to help as much as I can!
I like to save all of the teachers’ email address and phone numbers (if available) on my phone right then and there. A lot of teachers use apps to communicate with their students and parents – make sure you’ve downloaded the apps and signed up!
Important dates noted in the syllabuses are entered into my calendar, especially days off.
AFTER SCHOOL
I’ve learned not to bombard the kids with questions when they first come off the bus. I am super excited to see them, but I think they want to decompress after a long day. Offer them a snack, collect anything that was sent home from the teachers, and see what homework needs to be done.
I try to save the long conversations for dinner time when we go around the table talking about our day.
HOW TO SURVIVE THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
Do you have any tips you’d like to add? I am sure there are many parents that are open to new and helpful hints to make that first week of school smooth!
Christiana says
Getting back to school after the summer holidays is always so overwhelming for both parents and their kids, like you said organization is key, getting everything ready ahead of time makes everything a lot easier.
Dana says
It’s funny how preparation, although at the time may seem odd, really helps out!