It has been an amazing summer for my family and me, but now it’s that time of year to start thinking about the next big thing: back to school. Going back to school can be bittersweet for many families. After a busy summer, many moms find themselves running out of activities to entertain their children (and patience!) and tend to look forward to the reprieve that school sometimes brings. Other times, school can bring a whole new set of worries. New schedules, school forms, homework, packing lunches, and even just back-to-school shopping can bring a slew of anxiety to many homes. Some kids face even greater concerns, such as bullying, difficulties with learning, anxiety, and many more problems that can make the transition to starting school again that much harder.
I, too, am nervous about this time of year and my kids going back to school. My youngest is not quite 3 years old, but will be going to school for the first time for a few days a week. As tough as he looks sometimes, he is definitely my sensitive one, and I can’t help but foresee some issues with him being separated from me and in a classroom-like setting for the first time. My older one is a little better at adjusting, yet he’s been very clear about his aversion to school and would much rather stay home! I know the first few weeks will be a little hard for all of us, so I’m getting myself mentally prepared now.
Maybe you have older children and a whole different set of concerns with going back to school. Whatever they may be, it is helpful to remember that keeping all children healthy and happy can help give them the best possible start during this important time of year. Below are some basic tips to help prepare everyone for the transition.
Instill good sleep habits
Summers can be a lax time for many families, including ours. I’ve found that our kids have naturally transitioned to a later bedtime time (and wake-up time) than what the school year normally brings. I think it is important to try and get children on a more regimented schedule starting a couple of weeks prior to school starting. This can help minimize the grogginess or irritability that may arise upon waking up earlier. Getting used to waking up earlier can also allow them time to eat at least a little something for breakfast and start to get mentally prepared for the day.
Children require different amounts of sleep depending on their age. Children that are 3 to 6 years of age need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep. Children aged 7 to 12 need at least 10 hours of sleep, and older children up to 18 years old need about 9 hours. Give children some time to relax at night. This may mean shifting everything up a bit, including dinner, homework, and any after-school activities that may be too stimulating right before bed.
Try not to overschedule
Speaking of after-school activities, most parents will agree that extracurricular type things help to keep children well-rounded, socialized, and sometimes just plain out of trouble. However, it is easy to schedule too many planned activities for the family, especially if you are a parent to multiple children. Even if one child is not actively participating in the activity but still has to accompany the family to different events, this can be exhausting for that child – especially after a full day of school.
I love having my children learn new things and socialize outside of school, however I’m always cognizant of not overdoing it. Many busy parents feel that one activity per child per season is more than enough. Many other parents stay away from ultra-competitive leagues that require travel and weekend time altogether, while others limit these to just one sport. Try to keep tabs on your children, do what you feel is right, and have open conversations with older kids about what they are capable of and willing to do. Keeping up with extracurricular activities should be fun and sociable, but shouldn’t be a great cause of unnecessary stress for everyone. Children need adequate downtime to just relax and play. Downtime is also important for the parents, too!
Re-examine the diet
My older child loves consuming sugar. He loves soft drinks, ice cream, doughnuts, candy, and just about any other sugar-laden treat you can think of. My younger child tends towards more savory treats, like French fries and potato chips. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a food Nazi with my children, and I definitely plead guilty to letting the occasional indulgence slide – if only to keep the peace during inopportune moments! I feel like if I block treats altogether, they may binge when they finally get a taste.
I don’t treat junk food as something that’s “bad,” just something they know they can enjoy as long they eat nutritiously as well. Good and proper nutrition is vital for everyone, but especially for the growing minds and bodies of children. A nice variety of foods is even better.
I know how difficult it can be to instill proper nutrition habits into children, especially those who are particular with food. If you’ve tried and failed, just know you are not alone! The only advice I can offer is to just keep trying, and possibly try different ways of serving food. Sometimes dips and sauces make eating vegetables more fun. My younger son has been eating raw baby carrots with a sliver of Laughing Cow cheese. Something about the combination and little dish it’s served on makes it more fun for him.
Sometimes certain “behavioral” problems in children can mask themselves behind food sensitivities or lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Sometimes too much caffeine can cause children to be restless or irritable. My older son – the one who loves soft drinks – can have a little caffeine but not too close to bedtime so it doesn’t affect his sleep. Make sure children don’t skip meals or rely too much on “snack” food. Keep simple things in stock for busy nights. A rotisserie chicken, organic frozen vegetables, rice, organic pastas, frozen wild-caught fish filets, and good-quality meats and cheeses are almost always on hand in our house. Quality trumps fancy. Eating on the run is inevitable for a lot of families these days, but nothing beats a nice, sit-down dinner at home.
Keep the basics in mind
I am definitely a “basic” type of mother. I don’t believe good health should come with a hefty price tag. If all else fails, trust your intuition and never forget the simple things. After all, it’s the simple changes that have the biggest impact on health and wellness. Make sure children are up-to-date with wellness, dental, and eye check-ups. Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after school or play with other children.
Trust your gut when it comes to your children’s well-being. If they seem tired during the first few weeks back, let them rest and engage in some free time. If something doesn’t seem right, poke around a bit with casual questions to see if anything comes up. Lastly, I am always reminding myself that children have amazing reception and can easily sense if parents are stressed. Back to school can be a rough time, but remember to check-in with your own anxiety levels and try not to unwillingly project unnecessary stress onto your children. We live in a very fast-paced and competitive world. Children need to know they are loved and have a safe place at home.
Best wishes for a great back-to-school!
