Establishing a back-to-school routine

Children can benefit from extra support when the new school year approaches after a year of uncertainty. Here are our tips for creating a routine that gives your child the stability and support they need to succeed at school.

Create a Visual Schedule

A visual calendar is a great way for your child to be excited about going back to school, extra-curricular and playdates. This template can be used to track family dinners, birthday parties, weekend trips and other events before the school year starts. Please encourage them to plan their schedule ahead of time. This will help them envision going back to school.

Implement power up/power down rituals

It can take weeks to master the art of getting up on time and going to sleep. This may be difficult for some people. You can make morning and nighttime routines more fun by creating a power-up and power-down ritual. For example, you might do some mindful movements or read a book before going to bed.

Your child will find something to look forward to during transition times. This will help them settle into their new routine and prepare them for school.

Please encourage your child to communicate his or her needs.

After a normal school year, it can be daunting to return to school. Imagine how frightening it could feel after a year away! It’s important to work with your child to help them understand the things they need to feel at home back in school. This will help ensure they are ready for fall.

Perhaps they would like to take their favorite backpack or book with them. These familiar objects can help children feel safe and secure, ready to embark on new adventures.

Allow your child to have lots of downtimes

This school year will feel completely different no matter how adaptable your child may be. It’s important to allow them plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience. Although it can be tempting for your child to return to the same pre-pandemic pace, easing into the back-to-school routine will allow them to avoid burnout and maximize the benefits of the new school year.