Student Engagement & Wellbeing News

Tips for Easing Back into the School Routine

Welcome back, families! Half a year done, half to go! As we begin another term, we know the transition from the relaxed days of the holidays to the structure of school life can be a big adjustment for both kids and parents. I have been told that some of our kids are so tired at the transition back to school that they have had 12 hours or more of sleep in a night - lucky you! 

Here are some simple, positive ways to help your child (and yourself!) ease into the rhythm of school days.

1. Start with a Consistent Sleep Schedule

After getting into a routine of lazy mornings, it can be hard to get back to an early bedtime. But a good night’s sleep is essential for a productive school day! Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time at least a few days before school begins. Try to keep it consistent so your child’s body can naturally fall into a routine. A calm bedtime routine with a story or quiet time can make the transition smoother.

2. Ease into Morning Routines

Mornings can be the trickiest part of getting back into school life. Help your child feel prepared by establishing a morning routine that they can follow each day. Have them lay out their clothes the night before, pack their school bag together, and plan for a healthy breakfast. With a bit of practice, mornings will be a breeze! 

3. Create a “Back to School” Checklist

For younger kids especially, it helps to have a visual reminder of what needs to be done before heading out the door. Create a simple checklist with pictures or words to guide them through the routine (getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing their bag, etc.). This gives them a sense of control and helps build good habits. This also develops their executive functioning skills. If you notice your child is struggling, give them less tasks on their list. We need to allow them to learn over time.

4. Re-establish School-Week Expectations

The start of school is a great time to revisit household routines and expectations. Talk with your child about schoolwork, screen time, chores, and family time. Establishing clear expectations early on will help your child settle back into the structure of school life and avoid surprises later.

5. Balance School with Play

It’s important to remember that school is just one part of your child’s life. They also need time to relax, play, and unwind. Encourage them to get outside, read for fun, or take part in hobbies they enjoy. A good balance between work and play helps keep them happy and motivated.

6. Stay Positive and Patient

Not always easy, I know, but remember: transitions take time. Some kids may bounce back into the school routine right away, while others might need a little more time to adjust. Stay patient, offer lots of encouragement, and focus on the positives of returning to school— seeing friends, fun subjects, and exciting projects. Your child will take their cues from you. 

7. Encourage Communication

Ask about your child's day and ave a chit chat! If they discuss a problem that arose, don’t always jump to tell them how to manage the situation. Ask simple questions to help them reflect. If they come up with the solution, it is much more powerful than being told the solution. Ask them questions such as;

• What happened?
• How did you feel about it? 
• What did you do about it?
• How do you think other people felt?
• Would they change anything next time to get a different result?

 Sometimes we all just need to tell someone our problems and feel heard. We don’t always need someone to rescue or advise us… Kids are the same!

If you are the parent who gets no information about the school day, ask them who they played with, what books they read about and try to find some positives.

Anna Gbikpi-Benissan