Most kids have been in school for a few weeks already, but if your school year is off to a rocky start, it’s not too late to get it back on track. After many weeks of summer and less-than-rigorous routines, getting back into the swing of things in the fall is challenging for both kids and adults. But our kids rely on us, their parents and caregivers, to set their routines and to help them adjust to new schedules. But adjusting to changes in school and childcare routines is rarely easy, so it’s okay if you haven’t settled into a rhythm just yet.
Here are a few suggestions to help you are your kids adjust to school schedules and new childcare routines.
Establish a healthy sleep routine.
Ensuring that kids get enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to help them do well throughout the day. Kids of different ages need different amounts of sleep, so make sure that you know how much sleep your child needs for their age. When you know how much sleep your child should get, it’s much easier to establish a bedtime routine. A bedtime routine should help your child settle down and get ready to fall asleep. Your child’s bedtime routine could include having a bath, brushing their teeth, getting into pajamas, and reading a book together. The most important thing is to remain consistent so your child knows what to expect and can start to initiate the routine themselves after a little while.
Set aside one-on-one time.
As much as your kids may like and get along with their teachers and other caregivers, it’s not the same as being home with you. If they got used to spending more time with you over the summer, the transition to more time in school and childcare can feel like a big change to them. To help your kids adjust, set aside one-on-one time with them. When you get home from picking them up from school or childcare, make some time to draw some pictures, play a game, or just let them tell you about their day.
Child Care That Works for Your Child and Your Family
At Wollaston Child Care Center, we understand that every child, and every family, is different and has unique needs. We craft our programs to help every child grow and learn about the world around them.
