Read Original Version (CLB5+) You are reading the Simple Version (CLB3-4) Summer is over and it’s back to school! Follow these tips to help your kids welcome the start of school: Change their sleeping and waking schedules one to two weeks before school starts. Children need 10-13 hours of sleep every day. They should be asleep by 9:00 pm or earlier to be able to wake up early. Help them have a routine that includes fixing their bed, dressing up and eating breakfast. Help them look forward to school by being excited for them. Talk to your kids about seeing their old friends and making new friends, learning new things, playing sports, going on field trips and joining fun activities. This will not work only for your toddlers but with your teens too. Your child may be nervous about new situations or getting lost in school. Listen to their questions and answer in a reassuring way. Tell them that you and their teacher will always be there to support them. Walk with them to school if they are extra stressed about the first day. Go with your child to the school a week before the start of classes (call ahead to check if they’re open). Let them see their classroom, library, cafeteria, playground, and washrooms. It may lessen their worries about getting lost in school. Talk to them about their daily schedule so they’ll know what to expect. Describe how they will get to and from school. Walk with them to the bus stop if they will be taking the school bus. Have a daily routine so that they’ll know the time to wake up, prepare, and leave. Encourage the habit of preparing ahead of time. For example, choosing their clothes the night before. Post their schedule on the fridge door or bedroom wall to remind them. Start having more educational activities like going to a museum, library, or reading a book at the park. This will help them go into study mode while enjoying the last days of their summer vacation. Learn more ways that you can support your child. Read 4 effective ways you can support your kids adjusting to school. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
Slowly prepare them
Be positive and excited
Make the preparation an adventure
Listen to their questions
Visit the school
Discuss their schedule
Have educational activities
Article updated August 2, 2024.
Sources: Back to school tips, healthychildren.org; 101 back-to-school tips for kids and parents, Liz Alton, Care.com; and Healthy sleep habits: How many hours does your child need? Healthy Children.org. Retrieved August 23, 2018.Community Resources
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