Alright, parents, it’s that time of year again! The summer holidays are wrapping up, and while the days of ice cream and lie-ins have been glorious, we all know what’s looming around the corner — back to school.
If the thought of dragging your little ones out of bed for the school run makes you want to pull the duvet over your head, don’t worry. You’re not alone! And luckily, there’s still time to get the kids back into a sleep routine without too many tears (yours included).
Here’s a quick guide to help you ease the kids back into school mode without too much fuss.
1. start shifting bedtimes gradually
Let’s be real for a minute, summer bedtimes are often a bit more “relaxed”. But now’s the time to start edging them closer to their school bedtime. But don’t make the mistake of trying to jump back to usual all at once! Instead, look to start winding them down 15 minutes earlier each night until you get them back on track.
If you’re met with resistance (and you probably will be), try explaining that they need their energy for all the fun stuff they’ll be doing at school. Bribery (in the form of a bedtime story or a bit of screen time) can work wonders too.
2. reintroduce a morning routine
Mornings during the school holidays can sometimes involve rolling out of bed whenever, but school mornings require a bit more precision.
A week before school is due to start back up, try to get your little ones up at the time they’d need to be awake on a school day. Don’t worry, there’s no need to go full drill sergeant! Just start the day with a healthy breakfast and maybe a few of the usual activities of a school morning. Things like getting dressed, having a shower, brushing teeth, making beds or even helping to prepare the breakfast are all great examples of things you can work into your child’s routine to prep them for that impending school morning start.
The goal here is to gently remind them that mornings don’t have to be chaotic (and that pyjamas aren’t all-day attire).
3. re-establish a healthy diet
In all honestly, summer diets can be all over the place. BBQs, picnics, and the occasional ice cream van visit (or seventeen). But with the countdown to school on, now’s the time to start reintroducing those healthy meals and snacks that fuel their brains. Think fruits, veggies, and proper meals at regular times.
This also means cutting back on those foods that lead to sugar rushes that may have snuck in during those summer days.
4. practice the school run
If you’ve been enjoying a slower pace, getting everyone out the door on time might feel like a mission impossible. If so, we’d suggest having a practice run a few days before school starts back.
Set the wake-up alarm(s), get everyone dressed, have breakfast, and do the school run as it usually looks to us – be that walking, cycling, or driving. This will help dust off the cobwebs and remind everyone (including you) how long it actually takes to get from bed to classroom-ready.
5. create a back-to-school checklist
Most kids love lists — especially when they get to tick things off. So, sit down together and make a back-to-school checklist. This can include things like packing their bag, laying out their uniform, and finding those all-important school supplies.
This is a great way to get them involved and excited about the new school year ahead. Plus, it’ll help you avoid that last-minute dash to the shops for forgotten items too. Win-win!
6. talk about the upcoming year
Get your kids chatting about the new school year. What are they looking forward to? Is there anything they’re feeling a bit nervous about? Discussing their feelings can help ease any anxiety and get them excited about school.
Maybe they’ve got a new teacher or some new faces joining their class — whatever it is, talking it out could make the transition run a little smoother.
7. wind back on screen time
If screen time has crept up over the holidays (no judgement here), it’s time to start dialling it back again.
Too much screen time before bed can mess with your little one’s sleep, which is kind of the last thing you need when you’re trying to re-establish a bedtime routine. Set some limits in the evenings and encourage other screen-free activities.
Reading, drawing, or even a gentle walk around the park are all great ways to help kids wind down before bed.
8. prepare for the first day together
The night before school starts, make a whole ritual out of getting ready. Lay out their clothes, pack their bag, and maybe even sneak in a special breakfast treat for the morning. Doing this together will help them to feel well-prepped and give them something to look forward to as they drift off to sleep (hopefully without a fuss).
9. stay positive
Kids pick up on our energy, so if you’re stressed about the return to routine, chances are they’ll be stressed about the routine too. So, try to keep things positive. Focus on the fun elements of school such as being reunited with their friends or learning something new.
And if your little one is still reluctant, remind them of all the great things they’ll get to experience once school starts.
10. be patient (with them and yourself!)
It’s not going to be perfect, and that’s okay.
There might be a rough morning or ten. Some grumbles perhaps. And maybe even a back to school tantrum or two. Just remember, it takes time to adjust, and the first week back is always a bit of a learning curve for everyone.
back to school: final thoughts
So, there you have it — a few tips to help get the kids (and yourself) back into a school-ready routine. With a bit of planning, plenty if patience, and perhaps a strong coffee in the mornings, you’ll all be back in the swing of things in no time. Good luck, and here’s to a smooth start to the new school year!
Until next time, eve sleep.
