And just like that, summer is over and it’s back to school! Whether it’s their first time or they’re returning, your kids are bound to be anxious about going to school. Any change in routine can be rough on them.

Here are a few things you can do to help them welcome the school year with open arms:

1. Slowly ease them into it

   Getting them used to a healthy routine will help smooth out first-day jitters. Begin changing their sleeping and waking schedules at least one to two weeks before school starts. Children need 10-13 hours of sleep every day, so set their bedtimes accordingly.

   Cut down their screen time (TV, computer, or gadgets) so that they can be asleep by 9:00 p.m. or earlier. They should also start waking up early to have time for their morning routines. Encourage the habit of fixing the bed, dressing up, getting things ready, and eating a proper breakfast before leaving the house.

2. Be excited for them

   It is so important that they don’t hear you talking about going back to school like it’s a big burden. Create positive anticipation for their first day by talking about what they can look forward to in the new school year, like seeing their old friends or gaining new friends, learning new things, getting into sports, going on field trips, and joining other fun activities. This will work not only for your toddlers, but with your teens too.

3. Make preparation for going back to school an adventure

   • Go back-to-school shopping with your child. Let them take the lead in choosing their clothes and gear. Having new clothes, shoes, bags, or notebooks can get them excited to go to school. Check with the school about supplies. A list of required materials is usually given to parents. You may have the option of ordering them from school.
   • Prepare a special study nook. Get them involved in arranging and decorating their study area. Make sure that there are no distractions like video game consoles, or TVs near their nook.
   • Involve your child in planning their lunches. Make a list of food they would like to bring for the week. Ask them for suggestions. Remember to be guided by the school’s food and nutrition policy (Read: Top 5 tips for preparing your kids’ school lunches). There are foods they are not allowed to bring to school to avoid setting off allergies.
   • Plan a new look. Talk to them about getting a new hair cut or hair style. Take them to a salon or barbershop.

4. Listen to their concerns

   Your child may be nervous about new situations – even if it’s just a new classroom or a new teacher. Talk to them and always be reassuring. Encourage them to ask questions. This will help you see what they are anxious about. Be patient and tell them that you and their teacher will always be there to support them. Describe how the first day will go. If your kids are extra stressed about the first day, drive or walk with them to school.

5. Visit the school

   If your child is going to school for the first time or if they’re going to a new school, becoming familiar with new surroundings would help ease their anxiety. Visit the school before the school year starts (call ahead to check if they’re open). Go with your child to see their classroom, library, cafeteria, playground, and washroom. This can lessen their worries about getting lost in school.

6. Discuss their school schedule

   Once you get their schedule, discuss with them how their day will go so they’ll know what to expect. Describe how they will travel to and from school. Walk with them to the bus stop if they will be picked up by the school bus. Establish a daily routine so that they’ll know the exact time they need to wake up, prepare, and when they should be out of the house. Allow them to develop the habit of preparing things ahead of time, like laying out their clothes the night before (don’t forget to check the temperature for the next day). Post a checklist on the fridge door or wall as a reminder.

7. Shift family activities to more scholarly pursuits

   If you have been spending your weekends road tripping and travelling all over Manitoba, start including more educational activities like going to a museum, exploring the library, or spending an afternoon reading a book at the park. This will help shift their brain into study mode while still enjoying the last days of their summer vacation.

 
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.