How to Get a Child Ready for Back to School

The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting time for children as they look forward to joining their friends after summer vacation. Sometimes, however, kids aren̵7;t quite ready to let go of the carefree days of summer. Help your child transition from the days of staying up late and sleeping in the next morning by gradually changing their schedule in the weeks before school begins.

Instructions

    • 1

      Move bedtime back ½ hour each week until you reach the desired bedtime for your child. The time it takes to make the transition depends on how wide the gap is between your child̵7;s school bedtime and summer bedtime. If he is staying up an hour later, it can be accomplished in two weeks.

    • 2

      Wake your child up ½ hour earlier each week for several weeks before school starts until you reach the desired waking time. When done in conjunction with an earlier bedtime, she should awake rested and ready for the day.

    • 3

      Organize your child̵7;s school supplies and backpack one week before school starts. This allows plenty of time for picking up missing items before the magical day arrives.

    • 4

      Double-check school clothes and shoes for a proper fit a week before school starts. Clothes purchased earlier in the summer, or those old favorites from last year may no longer fit. Children tend to grow rapidly over the summer and may be surprised when their favorite jeans no longer fit.

    • 5

      Talk to your child about your expectations during the school year. This is the time to address any special concerns you have, such as getting ready on time in the morning and keeping up with homework. Let her know that you expect her to do her best, but that you understand some subjects are harder than others are. When you focus on effort, fears about grades lessen.

    • 6

      Listen to his concerns about the upcoming year. It is common for children to worry about the new teacher or that the classwork will be too challenging. Remind him that even though the work may be harder, he is ready for it because he mastered the skills he needed to move to the next grade.

    • 7

      Keep talk about school positive and point out the good things about returning to school. For many children visiting with their friends and participating in school activities outweighs the freedom of summer.

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