How to Transition Back To School After a Great Summer

You have had a great summer, but the first day of school is right around the corner. If you want your family to be prepared, there are a few things you can do in advance to prepare yourself and your children to handle the "back to school" transition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• School Schedules
• Supply Lists
• Medical Appointments
• Patience

1. Make sure to return from any summer travels or vacations at least two weeks before the beginning of your child's school year. You and your family need time to transition and if you do not allow yourself a few weeks, you will feel twice as exhausted as before you left to "relax."

2. Start your child's school year sleep schedule two weeks in advance of the first day. Adjusting sleep schedules is difficult, and time will be needed.
   
   Your child will need help, patience, and extra time to learn to get up early and go to sleep earlier.

3. 
   It is never too early to hit the books.

   If you haven't required study time and limited television watching during summer, then you need to start that now. Homework and studying require structure and time. If you can integrate those skills before school starts, you will have more success.

4. Make any medical or dental appointments now. The first few weeks of school are essential. If you child misses even one day, they will start the year behind.
   
   Make sure to get dental checkups and physicals done during the summer so that your child can get the class time they need.

5. If possible, consider adjusting your work schedule the first day of school. You child, even if they won't admit it, would love to have you there on the first day of school to reassure them. It would also be good for you to be home at the end of the day to help them decompress and unload if necessary.

6. The weekend prior to the beginning of school, try to have one final fling. Start the year off by letting your family know that they are the priority by giving them a great memory to take them through the first few weeks.
   
   Consider a mini-vacation, a big hike, or a big night out. The together time will charge up your family batteries so that the first few weeks go a bit

Tips & Warnings

• Take a look at last year's photos and report cards to demonstrate to your child how much they have grown and matured.
• Time spent transitioning will not be wasted. Make sure to invest your time.
• If you do not spend time transitioning your family back into the rhythm of school, you will surely see behavior problems and possibly even school phobia.

[Thims]

on 9/13/2008 Should have had my childeren read this before the school year started. Great information!