The last days of summer are a bittersweet time for many kids and parents. Daylight gets shorter and to-do lists get longer as the new school year approaches, filled with possibilities — and structure.
As you count down the days, invite your kids to join you in making a “farewell to summer” list. Fill it with activities, goals and tasks to help your family prepare for the changes ahead and set everyone up for success. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Plan a family fun day. This is your chance to send summer off with a bang. Have your family weigh in on what activities scream “summer” to them and schedule a day that’s memorable to all.
- Rein in the bedtime routine. If your family got a little lax with your lights-out rules, start gradually returning to normalcy so that the kids will be well-rested on the first day of school. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids ages three to five need 10 to 13 hours of sleep (including naps), kids ages six to 12 need nine to 12 hours of sleep and teens need eight to 10 hours. As you readjust their schedules, keep in mind just how important sleep is. It helps kids concentrate and learn. It also impacts their overall health: the CDC states that children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have mental and physical health problems.
- Create (or clean up) a homework station. Make sure the kids have a comfortable, quiet, distraction-free place or places where they can read and do homework.
- Make sure any summertime assignments are completed. Was your child given any summer homework? If so, it’s a great time to test out that homework station and wrap things up.
- Plan a purge. Go through closets and cabinets and get rid of old clothing and items that are no longer in use (from lunch containers to outdated devices). Donate them so they help someone in need.
- Get organized. Start making lists that will help give a smooth start to the year. Some examples could be a list of lunch options your kids will eat (and maybe even pack for themselves), breakfast items, school supplies, schedules, goal lists, chores and more.
- Mark your calendars. Update your family calendar so that everyone is aware of important dates. Those could be related to school, health care appointments, work obligations, travel, extra-curricular activities, social outings and anything else that matters. Be sure the kids are familiar with the calendar so they can keep tabs on what’s expected, too.
- Make sure you’re up to date on all health care needs. Have you scheduled your child’s wellness or sports physical? Do they need an eye exam? Are they up to date on vaccinations that will help keep them healthy during the school year? Have they had their teeth cleaned by the dentist? What about your own health—are you due for any screenings, check-ups or vaccinations? Be sure and schedule those appointments soon.
- Book your back-to-school hair appointments. Salons get busy this time of year! Make sure you have an appointment on the books so that your family is looking and feeling ready for the new school year.
- Stock up on supplies. Make sure you’re prepared with everything your child needs, whether it’s classroom materials and school supplies, uniforms and new clothes, a comfortable backpack, water bottles, lunch bags and boxes and other must-have items.
- Brush up on handwashing and healthy habits. After a free-ranging summer, it might be helpful to remind your kids of the importance of washing their hands frequently and to counsel them to avoid touching their faces if their hands aren’t clean.
- Update the school on any changes to your child’s health. If anything new has arisen —including health conditions, allergies or prescriptions that the school needs to know about — be sure to talk to the school administration so they’re aware.
- Reconnect with other kids. If your child has been out of the loop, socially speaking, consider setting up playdates with other kids to help everyone get back into the groove.
- Consider a dry run. If you have a kindergartner or an older child who is going to a new school, plan a day where you walk, bike or drive to school so they can get a feel for the new routine. It’ll be one less surprise to contend with on the hectic first day.
- Listen. If your child is anxious about going back to school, talk to them about their fears and concerns. Make sure they feel heard and help them create a strategy to handle any of those worries so that they can go into school feeling confident. If your child seems unusually stressed about going back to school, consider talking to a teacher, guidance counselor or therapist.
- Talk. Make sure your child feels prepared going into the new year. Share what you know about their teacher or teachers, their classroom, the other kids who will be in the class, what they’ll be learning, how they’ll get to and from school and more. Let them know that this is an exciting adventure and an important part of growing up. And remember that kids can sense your own anxiety, so be mindful of how you talk about what’s ahead, as well.
- Make sure they’re eating healthy meals that power their brains. You’ve already made those lists of healthy food options. Now, it’s time to make sure your kids are eating them! For ideas on what to serve, keep in mind a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein, and limit processed foods and sugar. Some easy breakfast ideas include overnight oats, fresh fruit with yogurt, egg bites, and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch, some easy options are hummus with pita and sliced vegetables; a bento box with fruit, vegetables, yogurt and other favorites; a quesadilla; and pasta with pesto. And then, of course, a healthy dinner is a must. Be sure and dine as a family in the evening so you can hear all about their school adventures!