The time has come for the kids to head back to the classroom which means getting back to a routine that works for the whole family. Read our top tips on creating a schedule that works for you and your family to make the transition from summer to September that bit easier.
Be Prepared for Heading Back to the Classroom
Screen free time
Increased screen time before bed can delay your child’s sleepiness which isn’t ideal when there’s an early rise the next morning. Get your kids to wind down an hour before bedtime with no screen time – try swapping tablets for a book or this could be bath time! Its also beneficial to free up sometime to go over homework together as this can easily be forgotten in the first few weeks of starting back.
Early rising
The kids may be shouting ‘10 more minutes’ in bed in the morning but that sometimes leads to a quick breakfast and a sense of panic rushing out the door. It can be helpful to set the alarm 15 minutes before they actually need to get up, so they technically do have a little bit longer to lie in! It’s also worth trying to avoid really long lie-ins at the weekend, which we know can be tricky with teenagers!
Preparation is key
Throughout lockdown, the kids may have started to help you with daily chores such as putting the ironing away, doing the dishes or preparing dinner. They may not jump at the excitement of preparing for school the night before however simple things like getting them laying their uniform out neatly can help them adapt to a new routine and feel ready for the day ahead. Particularly for older children and teenagers who may feel anxious around schoolwork, preparation can help them feel at ease and in control of their school life.
Washing hands regularly
With hand washing being vital and reinforced in school and at home at the moment, get your kids familiar with always using soap or regular drops of hand sanitiser after touching objects or leaving the house. It also might be worth showing your kids the importance of hand washing, you can make this fun by trying the pepper and soap experiment!
Your schedule matters too
If you’re working from home or back in the office, it might be time to revaluate your schedule too? Since March, dropping off and picking up the kids from school has been off the cards but now this will be back on your to do list. Keep some free time in the morning and afternoon from meetings to allow yourself to not rush getting the kids to or from school, this will eventually become a part of your daily routine. Prepping meals at the start of the week and using the slow cooker is a great way to save yourself sometime in the evenings!
Lastly, go easy on yourself. This is a strange time for everyone and although school routine brings some normality it can also cause stress. Celebrate the everyday wins like getting the kids out the door on time or avoiding any tantrums for a day – you’re doing a great job!
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How have you prepared for getting your kids back to school? Share your tips on our Facebook or Twitter pages using the hashtag #SmarterLiving