“So we have say goodbye for the summer…”—Jason Donovan
While there is still some summer left, and some summer vacation, the start of a new school year is right around the corner. Stores are already heralding their back-to-school sales and shelves are stocked with paper, pencils, binders, highlighters, pencil pouches, and backpacks, as well as the latest and greatest devices (cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc.). Getting that slick new device, a cool new pair of sneakers, and organizing all of those fresh, clean supplies can be exciting. In the midst of that excitement, however, it is important to think about ways to support students as they transition from those lazy, hazy days of summer vacation back to the school day and year routine.
Research has consistently shown that young people need their sleep (at least eight hours), and it is consistently showing that they are not getting nearly enough. Adequate sleep promotes growth of all types: physical, emotional, and social. Ensure your child is getting the proper amount of sleep by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times. To provide the most restful sleep environment, all devices should be turned off and as far away from the bed as possible. If your child uses the alarm on his/her phone, invest in an alarm clock. The soft glow from screens disrupts sleep patterns and does not allow for complete rest and leads to the temptation of late night texting and game playing, also not conducive to adequate sleep.
Homework is coming. Make a plan now with your child for completing homework. Set aside a space just for homework and a schedule for getting it finished. Every child is different, so no one schedule works for all students. What does work is getting in a routine and building in breaks, so that your child gets his/her work completed but also has some downtime to engage in activities s/he enjoys. Take advantage of homework resources the school has to offer. For some students, staying a little later in the afternoon at school to complete, or at least get a jump on, homework takes off the pressure of having to get it all finished at home before going to bed and to the exclusion of other activities, as well as family time.
Transitions can be difficult for many students, particularly if a child is moving from elementary to middle school or middle school to upper school. Take some time, maybe while running those back-to-school errands, to stop by the school and walk through the building with your child. Seeing what’s changed and what is the same can help ease any back-to-school jitters your student may be feeling. If your child is feeling anxious about the first day, make a plan with your child and the administrators and teachers for creating a first day that is smooth and worry free.
A little planning and preparation before the school year begins can make the rest of the school year, and the remainder of summer vacation, that much more enjoyable, for you and for your child.
See you in August!
