With some extra planning and care, your children will be off to a fantastic start this school year!
As summer winds down and school supplies fill the stores, kids across the country are starting to prepare to go back to school. Going back to school can be challenging as kids try to adjust to new schedules and expectations. For many military children, this transition has the added challenge of starting over in a new school with unfamiliar faces.
If you have children heading back to school this fall, check out these tips to make your back-to-school transition as smooth as possible.
Back-to-School Transition Tips: Things You Can Do Together
- Get prepared ahead of time. Use the last few weeks of summer to start preparing. What routines can you put in place now to reduce anxiety when the school year begins? Do you have enrollment tasks you still need to complete? Are your child’s health records up to date? Is it possible to visit the school ahead of time? Make yourself a checklist and get prepared before the school year kicks off. For specific ideas on how to prepare after relocation, check out Military OneSource’s guide on changing schools.
- Adjust sleep schedules. Waking up early for school can be difficult, especially after a relaxing summer. Start gradually, and adjust your child’s bedtimes and wake times by 15 minutes a day a few weeks before school starts. This will make the first few mornings much easier for everyone.
- Create a routine. What will your schedule look like during the school year? Are there elements you can implement before school starts? For example, can your child begin completing a morning routine that involves getting dressed and coming down for breakfast at a certain time? Or taking a bath and reading each night before bed? Having a consistent routine can ease anxiety when the school year begins.
- Go over your expectations. It’s much easier for kids to be successful if they know what’s expected of them. Think about your expectations and express them clearly. What will they be responsible for each day in terms of chores and school? Letting them know ahead of time can save you from frustrating battles as the school year begins.
- Discuss their worries and concerns. Are your children starting over at a new school? Are they worried about making friends? Give them a safe space to discuss what they’re worried about. Try to stay positive and encouraging, but let them know that their feelings are normal and expected. Hearing that countless kids all across the country are experiencing similar emotions can be reassuring.
- Make it fun. It’s easy to focus on the worst parts of starting the school year (no more lazy summer days!), so instead, make the process fun. Pick out school supplies together, organize a fun homework space in the house, or pick out a new outfit for the first day of school. You can plan meals and snack ideas together and go shopping for the ingredients. All of these moments can keep them looking forward to the start of school.
- Teach them how to reduce stress. School can be stressful, no matter your age, so it’s important for kids to have ways to manage their stress. Show them simple ways to cope. Do a quick yoga session together, teach them a deep breathing technique, or implement a weekly family walk.
- Do some learning. It can be hard to go from relaxing days to managing the expectations of school. Try to think of small ways to get back into “school mode.” Have your kids read a book, write in a journal, research something on the internet, or complete some fun puzzles or games. Activities that help them sit still, focus and complete a task can be helpful after a summer of fun.
- Institute screen time rules. If you’ve relaxed your screen time rules this summer, it may be a good idea to start transitioning into the expectations you’ll have during the school year. Too much screen time can affect your child’s mood and ability to focus. Make sure you’re on the same page and that your expectations are clear.
Back-to-School Transition Tips: Things You Can Do To Be Ready
- Make the end of summer special. You may be working full-time or setting up in a new location, but if possible, carve out time for a couple of special activities. Plan a picnic or a day at the park or beach. Host a backyard barbeque and make s’mores with the kids.
- Make connections. If you’re new to a school, find ways to connect before the school year begins. Are there online groups you can join, like a PTA Facebook page or a school social media site? These sites allow you to stay up to date on school activities and can help you connect with other parents. In addition, talk to the school staff. Are there other military families to connect with? Are there opportunities for you to volunteer or get involved?
- Access the resources designed to support you. Get the information and support you need to help your children successfully navigate back to school. Whether you need help getting your child enrolled in a sport, are worried about special education services, or just have a million questions to ask, support is available. Check out the resources below to get started.
Resources
School liaisons – Every major military installation has a school liaison program. A school liaison is your primary point of contact for all school-related matters, especially when you’re dealing with a transition. A school liaison can help you navigate school selection, get involved with youth sponsorship, address your questions and concerns, help you meet enrollment and paperwork deadlines, and more. For more information, contact your local installation’s school liaison office.
Military OneSource education consultants – Education consultants can answer questions, provide referrals for tutoring or test prep help, answer questions about financial aid, and much more. Visit Military OneSource or call 800-342-9647 to schedule your free consultation.
Military OneSource confidential counseling – Military OneSource provides free counseling for youth ages 13-17 and family counseling sessions for children ages 6-12 with a parent present. Counseling can be a great tool to help your children navigate difficult times, such as transitioning to a new school.
With some extra planning and care, your children will be off to a fantastic start this school year. Here’s to a school year full of smiles and success!