TIPS TO EASE THE TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL – FOR KIDS, TOO!
Written by Tania Anway
The back to school promotions are in full swing, pre-ordered uniforms are arriving and your kids are begging for a new lunchbox. It must be the end of January!
Congratulations, parents, on making it this far into summer. With school starting next week, it’s important to begin thinking about transitioning your kids (and you!) back to school.
Whether a student in your household is starting “big school”, tackling the pressure of Year 12 or anywhere in between, moving from a relaxed summer schedule back to school can be a difficult changeover.
Re-Establish A Morning Routine
Regardless of your student’s age or grade level, now is a good time to look at your daily routine and make gradual adjustments to ease into the school schedule. Has bedtime slipped a little later over the summer? If so, begin pulling it back by 10 to 15 minutes each night until it aligns with an appropriate school-night schedule. Be sure the morning wake-up time follows suit, allowing enough time for a calm, stress-free start to the day. A consistent sleep routine helps improve focus, mood, and overall well-being, making the transition back to school much smoother. Consider incorporating relaxing bedtime rituals, such as reading together or dimming the lights before bed, to signal to your child that it’s time to wind down. Establishing these habits now will help set the stage for a successful and well-rested school year.
Give Your Younger Children Autonomy And Encourage Them To Practice Dressing Themselves
To ease the load for everyone in the morning and give younger children autonomy, have them dress themselves for school for a few days before the start of school. This is especially helpful if they have swimming first term! Be sure they can put on and take off their uniform themselves.
Review Safety Procedures With Your Children
Review safety with your student – how to be safe getting to and from school, especially for older primary children and above who may be making their own way; and how to stay safe in the classroom, especially for younger children who might not know how to carry scissors or to avoid running with pencils and other objects that may be sharp.
Remind Your Child Who Their Emergency Contacts Are
Be sure your children know who their emergency contacts are should a parent be unable to pick them up in an unforeseen situation.
Consider An Early Dinner For The First Few Weeks Of School
Consider an early dinner for the first few weeks of school. Students can be very tired at the start of the first term. It’s often still very warm outside, and students are experiencing an increase in mental (and physical) load. Some children will need a much earlier bedtime for a short period.
Provide Comfort And Support; Remind Them It’s Okay To Be Nervous!
Remind your child that it’s okay to be nervous about the first day of school. Teachers know that students may be nervous and will make an extra effort to ensure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. If your child seems nervous, ask them what they are worried about and talk through solutions.
Teachers have spent the last several weeks preparing for the return to school and are just as eager for success! They’ve thoughtfully planned lessons, organized classrooms, and created welcoming environments to help students feel comfortable and excited about learning. Their dedication goes beyond academics, they’re also preparing to support students emotionally as they adjust to new routines, classmates and expectations. A simple note of appreciation, a kind word at drop-off, or even encouraging your child to share something positive about their day can go a long way in building strong relationships between families and educators. When parents and teachers work together, students thrive, making the school year a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Wishing your family a happy and healthy start to the 2025 school year.
Tania Anway is the Principal of Brightwaters Christian College and has provide these helpful tips for returning to school in 2025.