As the holiday season ends, many parents find it challenging to ease their children back into their daily routines and prepare for their return to school. After weeks filled with cozy nights, festive games, and relaxed schedules, getting kids back on track can feel overwhelming. While the holiday break is always enjoyable, those leisurely days often make it tougher for kids to adjust to a structured schedule again.
So, how can parents support their kids in getting back on track? A combination of positive reinforcement, encouragement, and the practical tips shared below can make the process smoother. Let’s dive in!
Initiate Early Changes
One of the best ways to help your child ease back into a routine is by making gradual adjustments well before school starts:
- Set consistent wake-up times: Adjust their wake-up time to align with the school schedule, using an alarm that’s set a little earlier each day. Encourage them to get some morning sunlight exposure, which helps reset their body’s internal clock naturally.
- Shift their bedtime gradually: Sleep plays a vital role in children’s growth and emotional well-being, and holiday schedules often disrupt their natural sleep cycle. Begin moving their bedtime earlier in small increments of 10-15 minutes each night, starting at least a week before school begins. Create a calming pre-sleep atmosphere by dimming the lights, reading bedtime stories, or playing gentle music to help them wind down.
Get Your Child Involved in the Process
Including your child in planning can empower them and encourage a greater commitment to following routines.
- Make it enjoyable: Work together to create a vibrant planner, incorporating stickers or drawings to represent different activities. A visually appealing and interactive planner can make following routines more fun and engaging.
- Set shared goals: Talk with your child about what they hope to accomplish in the upcoming school term. These goals could be academic, like improving grades, or extracurricular, such as joining a club or sports team.
Reintroduce Structured Routines
Children thrive when they have a consistent routine, so if your child is finding it difficult to adjust, try mimicking their school-day schedule.
- Morning routine: Develop a clear, step-by-step plan for their mornings, including waking up, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, having breakfast, and packing their school bag. You can also encourage them to take out a textbook based on their school timetable and review a few lessons. These practice runs before their school starts can help them establish a smooth daily rhythm.
- Evening routine: Begin implementing a digital curfew by reducing their screen time at least an hour before bedtime to support healthier sleep habits. Replace screen activities with tasks like completing math worksheets or engaging in other productive exercises to help them ease into a study-oriented mindset.
Read this blog on How to Give Your Child a Gadget Free Summer to learn about some fun gadget free activities.
Promote Healthy Habits
Establishing healthy habits is essential for building a routine that supports kids’ physical and mental well-being, helping them stay energized and focused.
- Balanced meals: Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to make it an engaging activity. Include plenty of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in their diet, and encourage them to opt for water over sugary beverages.
- Stay active: Foster a habit of regular physical activity by working out together as a family. You could set up an indoor obstacle course using household items like pillows, blankets, and chairs for kids to crawl, jump, or climb through. Alternatively, turn on their favorite tunes and host a lively indoor dance party. These activities not only alleviate stress but also enhance focus and attention.
Turn Back-to-School Prep into an Enjoyable Experience
Getting ready for school can feel overwhelming for parents, especially if it becomes a mundane task. The secret lies in making the process fun and using it as an opportunity to bond with your child.
- Shop together for school essentials: Turn shopping for school supplies into an enjoyable outing. Let your child pick out their favourite notebooks, pens, or even a new backpack. This can help build excitement about returning to school.
- Organize collaboratively: Work with your child to set up their study space at home, ensuring it’s neat and inviting. Incorporate tools like labelled storage bins or mini calendars to keep their assignments and materials organized.
Show Patience and Flexibility
Transitioning to a routine takes time, so stay calm and supportive as your child adjusts.
- Celebrate progress: Praise small successes like following bedtime routines or completing tasks, and reward them with healthy treats to boost motivation.
- Stay consistent: Don’t expect immediate changes or demand more than you would have done as a child. Keep communication open to understand their perspective.
Returning to a regular schedule after New Year can be challenging for both you and your children. But with little planning, encouragement, and structure, your child will be ready to embrace the school routine with renewed enthusiasm and energy.
Read this blog to learn more about Back to School Tips for Parents of Preschoolers, as these tips may help!
Unlock Your Child’s Potential with UCMAS After the Holidays
At UCMAS Canada, we understand the challenges parents face when it comes to re-establishing routines and preparing children for academic success. As a global leader in brain development programs, UCMAS equips children with the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond. Our UCMAS Abacus Mental Math program is designed to improve concentration, memory, problem-solving, and time management skills in children aged 4-13. Learn how this course can help unlock your child’s potential beyond math.
Request Info Session – UCMAS Canada with us today to discover how UCMAS can support your child’s learning journey!
