The return to school at the end of summer can be a big adjustment for students, parents, and teachers alike. Creating a plan and establishing a routine can help make this transition easier for the entire family. Consider these tips when planning your back to school routine:
- Get organized - Create a schedule or calendar to help set expectations. Share it with your family and ask for their input. Check out these free, downloadable resources to help families organize their time and expectations: Daily Schedule & Chart Samples
- Start each day with breakfast - Breakfast helps support learning and student success. It is also a great way to spend a few minutes together as a family. Try one of these fun recipes, so your kids can start the school year off with a smile:
Breakfast Banana Split
Breakfast Roll Up
Breakfast Parfait
- Stay hydrated - Refillable water bottles are great for helping the entire family save money and stay hydrated. Many schools now have water bottle filling stations to support brain function and keep students hydrated. Pick up some reusable water bottles, and you and your kids can quench your thirst throughout the day.
- Set out clothes the night before - Mornings can be hectic! Setting out clothing and completing other tasks, including packing lunches, the night before can help for smooth sailing in the morning hours.
- Schedule health appointments - Talk to your school to determine what paperwork is needed for sports physicals and vaccinations, and bring this to your child’s provider.
- Screen free time - Set time limits for screen use. The sun shines bright for several hours after school this time of the year. After homework is completed, encourage your child to enjoy time being active outdoors.
- Schedule family meals - Make time to sit down and eat together as a family and catch up on the events of the day. You can search for quick, easy, and healthy recipes on the Maryland SNAP-Ed recipe page.
- Establish a bedtime routine - Getting good sleep is important for growing minds. You can help support this by establishing a solid routine. Brushing teeth, taking a warm bath and reading a book together is a great way to wind down. Be sure to remove electronics from the bedroom and turn the lights out to help your family get a good night’s sleep!
By starting the new routine before the school year begins, you can help students ease back into the structure of returning to school after all the summer fun. What other ideas can you come up with to set your children up for success in the new school year ahead?
