How to prepare for the return of school?

Summer is almost over. It’s time to get your children (or you) ready for school! Both children and parents can find this exciting and stressful. Are you ready for a new school year?

It’s hard to wake up

It’s not fun to wake up early. Start at least two weeks before the start of school to ease the transition. Slowly get your children to go to sleep and wake them up a half-hour earlier until you reach their required bedtime. It is not a magic cure, but this will get you and your children back into a routine. Routine and getting enough sleep are key to reducing stress.

Pimp school supplies

New school supplies are always exciting! You don’t want to buy anything new? Why not spruce up your old items with your children? You can embellish backpacks and notebook covers with washi tape. Decorate pens using washi tape. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for updating school supplies (search Back-to-School DIY and Backpack Decoration). Decorate these items in your child’s designated homework area. Once they are finished, place them in the backpack of your child so that they will not forget.

Refresh your memories!

Check your child’s schoolwork from last year to refresh their memory. It will be easier for your little one to pick up from where they left off. Reading through the notes from the previous school year can help your child feel more confident and ready to begin the new year. It will also put them in the right mindset to return to school. Make it fun by, e.g. You can do this by watching documentaries, visiting a museum, or playing math puzzles such as IQ Digit, sudokus or problem-solving or family games, like Horse Academy, Stixx, or Grabbit. This can be done throughout your summer holidays!

Do not worry, but be happy!

It can be stressful for kids to return to school. This is because they don’t know what to expect. Take them on a school field trip to ease their anxiety! If possible, go to the school together and plan the route they’ll take to get there. Scheduling playdates with school friends before the school year begins can also help. You’re still not calmed down? Prepare some questions that your child can ask the other students at school on their first day or role play with them.

How can you prepare yourself and your mini-me to return to school?