How to Help Kids Prepare for School After School Breaks

Dec 30

Reading Time: 1 min 36 sec

Kids dressed warmly, wearing backpacks, on a snowy day.

It is easy for days to blur together and daily routines to fall by the wayside during school breaks, and helping your kids transition back into school mode can be daunting. Here are 5 easy ways to help your kids ease back into their routines and prepare to return to school after the break.

1. Reinstate a reasonable bedtime.
Start adjusting sleep schedules a few days before going back to school. This helps ease your children into scheduled bedtime and wake-up times before the year begins, making the back-to-school transition smoother for everyone.

2. Get back into a routine.
Like bedtimes, it’s essential to reintroduce scheduled tasks back into your day. This could include setting specific times for your kids’ meals or chores. Having a predictable plan for the day can help your child prepare to return to school after a weeks-long relaxed holiday schedule.

Photo: School supplies in a kitchen drawer

3. Get school supplies in order.
Reintroduce your child to their school things, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, and homework folders. Encourage your kid to consolidate their belongings and clean out stray papers so they can start the new year organized and ready to learn.

4. Arrange your space.
Vacation prep has a way of spreading onto all available surfaces. Encourage your child to organize their space and set up their homework station. Having a clean and organized living space has countless benefits including reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing productivity.

5. Make time for friends.
Ease your kids back into the busy buzz of school by organizing opportunities for them to spend time with their friends over school breaks. Planning playdates or lunches can help your kids reestablish their comfort with their school friends and help prevent feelings of isolation once school gets underway.

Returning to school after school breaks can be tricky for children. By gradually reintroducing routines and helping them get organized, you can help your children step back into the classroom with confidence.