5 Fun & Practical Tips to Help Your Child Transition Back to School After the Holidays

The long, lazy days of the long vacation (or the summer break, for the uninitiated) are drawing to a close, and the fast pace of school is knocking at the door. We, the adults, teachers, and parents alike, are not looking forward to the end of our break. And I am sure our children feel it even worse than we do. The best way to support our children in this transition is to be ready ourselves. 

Here are five fun and practical tips to make the back-to-school transition smoother for you and your child.

1. Get back into a routine early

If your holiday schedule has been very relaxed … you know what I am talking about (late breakfasts, lots of screen time and games, etc), you are not alone. But now it is time to shift gears. Slowly ease your children back into a routine. 

• Begin adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times about a week or two before school starts.

• Reintroduce school-like meal times.

• Sneak in some “brain exercise sessions” like reading, puzzles, or colouring to get them back into learning mode.

2. Talk about the new school year

• Talk about what’s coming up: new teachers, classmates, subjects or activities.

• If they are anxious, acknowledge it. Share stories about how you handled first-day jitters when you were their age.

• Keep the tone light and positive so they feel more excitement than fear.

3. Prepare the environment

Set up a clean, quiet study space. A clutter-free study area can do wonders for a child's focus.

• Clear last year's papers and broken pencils.

• Add fresh stationery, a comfy chair, and good lighting.

4. Forster independence

The new school year is a perfect time to teach responsibility. 

• Encourage your child to pack their own school bags.

• Let them choose their own clothes

• Help them choose after-school activities.

5. Celebrate new beginnings

Make the first day back to school a little special.

• Prepare a favourite breakfast

• Slip a fun note/drawing into their lunchbox.

The transition back to school is a process. With a bit of planning, positivity and playful preparation, your child can slide into the new school year feeling confident, excited, and ready to learn.