Dos and Don’ts for Avoiding Back to School Blowouts and Disasters  

Fourth of July is well behind us, and Labor Day is looming closer. For many people, this means that fall is right around the corner. For busy parents and kids, however, this time of year is all about getting ready for the new school year. Back-to-school prep can be stressful for everyone involved, but parents can take some simple steps to reduce that stress and help their kids have a better start to the school year. So, before you start shopping and prepping, Michael Thal suggests you keep these tips in mind. 

Don’t Let an Illness Ruin Your Kid’s First Day

The last thing you want at the beginning of a brand-new school year is a cold or stomach flu working its way through your home. So, to keep kids healthy, you should consider adding a multivitamin for your children, and even yourself, so that everyone is getting the nutrients needed to strengthen their immune systems. Kids and adults can also be susceptible to anxiety that can make them sick, so be sure to take any other steps needed to ease the Back to School (BTS) transition and keep everyone happy and calm.

In the event that your child does get sick, it can be difficult to decide to try to get in to see a doctor or let them recover at home. Among the benefits of online doctors is that a convenient appointment can be made online and you and your child can talk to a licensed physician from the comfort and privacy of home. And if your child needs medication, a prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy for easy pickup.

Do Make Sure Your Kids Get a Good Night’s Sleep 

Switching from a summer to BTS routine can be seriously rough, especially if that change is sudden. So, to keep bedtime drama low for you and help your kids get the sleep they need to excel in school, establish a routine before school begins. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule throughout the summer to make this transition super simple — or at least begin a few weeks before classes begin. Sleep for kids is crucial not only for academic performance, but quality sleep can also keep immune systems strong and improve mood to help kids feel better about returning to school. 

Don’t Start Your Kids’ School Day with a Bad Morning 

A positive start to the day can lead to more positive experiences in school. You can help your kids have better mornings by waking them up in effective, gentle ways. Kids who wake up cranky may need some additional coaching or support to turn that attitude around, and it can also help to use the previous steps to ensure they are getting the sleep they need at night. Once kids are awake and have had a healthy breakfast, you can take the stress out of dressing by staying organized and offering a few choices. 

Do Ease Anxieties Over Any New Back-to-School Routines 

Some kids may be excited to see friends and meet new teachers. For other kids, especially first-time students, anxieties over school may be common. If your child is reluctant or worried about starting school, know that these feelings are normal. Talk with your child about his/her concerns and provide support to relieve those anxieties. For younger children, you can also try practicing BTS routines, like drawing pictures or listening to storytime, so little ones feel more comfortable with their new activities. You can also take kids shopping for school supplies to get them excited about school.

Don’t Forget to Provide Your Kids with Time for Homework 

Even on the first day of school, your children are likely to bring home some reading or homework assignments. Kids need to get into the habit of completing their homework promptly, so be sure to carve out afternoon time to get these assignments done. It’s also helpful for students to have a quiet study space, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on this area. Just be sure the space has minimal distractions and adequate lighting, then add a comfy chair, a quality desk, any necessary device chargers, and you can set up a homework space in your house that will keep kids productive, focused, and ready to thrive. Helping kids get a better start to the school year can make their entire school year less stressful. Start preparing for BTS as early as possible during the summer so you and your kids will have plenty of time to adjust to new routines, shop for BTS deals, and take any other steps needed to stress less when the first day of school rolls around.

About the Columnist

Penny Martin is a huge advocate for rescue dogs. Her goal is to inform people of what to expect and how to react to their dog so that the relationship always retains love. She created fureverfriend.info to help new owners prepare themselves for new furry friends.