What Not to Do When Your Kids Go Back to School
Avoid These Back-to-School Mistakes for a Smooth Transition
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Going back to school is a significant transition for both kids and parents, no matter how many times you’ve done it. To ensure a smooth and stress-free return, it's important to avoid certain common pitfalls. In this blog post, I’ll discuss what not to do when your kids head back to school (because I’ve done all these things!). The transition is big for both you and them - remember they are changing rapidly so what may have been hard one year, may not be difficult the next.
Sudden Routine Changes
Did you let your kids stay up until 11 pm during the summer and now you want them in bed by 9 pm? Good luck - I would know because this was our reality last year. An abrupt bedtime routine change can and will affect your kids if you don’t take the time to gradually get into an earlier bedtime routine. By gradually transitioning bedtime routines, you can can ease the adjustment process within your household. Consistency is KEY. If bedtime is 9 pm each night, don’t waiver or make exceptions during the school week.
Ignoring Emotional Needs
Don’t downplay your child’s emotions about going back to school. My son has not exactly loved school in the five years he has been going. Make sure you calmly address and talk about your kids anxieties or fears about going back to school, if they have them. Start early in ensuring they know you and them can have open and judgement-free communication where they can freely express their feelings. Set aside designated time to ask specific questions to your son or daughter about any fears they may have, and give solutions the best you know how on how to cope.
Overloading Activities
Over-scheduling is real. Parents over schedule their kids, and thus, themselves. We have a one activity at a time policy in our house. We have two kids, and they typically do not have activities that overlap. We also keep our summers free so that we can spend plenty of time at our family lake house. Show your kids how to balance priorities. I’ve learned that there is no reward for over scheduling yourself - only resentment.
There are potential consequences of signing your kids up for two many activities. It can become difficult for them to go to a sport or class after a full day of school. We typically do to much with the little time we have. Prioritize family time and the downtime that comes with evenings at home. There will be plenty of time for go go go if your child wants that lifestyle. Say “No” for them to prevent burnout - you’ve been there before so the best you can do is help it not to happen to your kids.
Neglecting Health and Nutrition
Before the next morning, discuss with your child what they’d like to eat for breakfast. Give them options each week such as french toast sticks, pancakes, whole grain cereal, or fruit and veggies. My kids love tomatoes and cucumbers in the morning (strange, I know). Kids need energy, and a nutrient-rich breakfast in the morning will help their brains to get going as soon as they hop on the bus.
Try these Bentgo lunch boxes with compartments for healthy snacks (over 20 design options!):
I love how much water kids drink these days. I remember the day our summer babysitter got a culligan water cooler. We were so curious as to what it was form. She would make us drink from it several times per day (gasp!!!!) My kids have a cooler water bottle collection than I ever did. Make sure they are well hydrated throughout the school day in order to be able to stay focused on their work and play.
Rushing Homework and Assignments
It’s not typically your kids who neglect their homework when they are little and young, it’s the parents. As they grow, we are teaching them responsibility. However, when they are in grade school, homework and reading routines are critical so they understand a bit about what is to come in the future in terms of homework. I am the ultimate procrastinator. I know I will pass down some of this negative aspect about my life, but I can also help to coach them through it. Time management is never a skill that is too early to teach your little ones.
Failing to Foster Independence
However, it is important for your kids to take responsibility for their school tasks. Most of the time, they will let you know if there is something in a folder you need to read, or something they need to bring to school the next day. No child wants to show up unprepared - the stress of showing up empty handed for a child can be intense. Explain the importance of allowing kids to take responsibility for their school tasks. This will help them to build confidence and to gain valuable problem solving skills.
Make Sure You Know All The New School Year Rules
Our school day starts five entire minutes sooner than last year. While this may seem minor, we messed up with our bus schedule. This also meant we had to be at the bus stop five minutes earlier (not good for our household). Now I know I need to wake the kids up 15 minutes sooner than I did on the first day. Typically, these types of mistakes are owned by my husband and me. When you mess up (because it will happen - it does nearly every day for me), quickly course-correct to show your kids how adaptable and flexible you can be (and thus, them too).
There you have it. Seven things not to do when your kids go back to school this year. I know I’ll continue to make mistakes. I’ll have this down at some point, likely when they are 18 (if I’m lucky!). I can understand why parents love the re-do that comes with being grandparents. Approach the back to school transition with patience, understanding, and a focus on you and your children’s well-being. I invite you to share your own experiences and strategies in the comments for a successful back-to-school transition.
