How to ease into the back-to-school routine
Navigate the back-to-school routine with a little more ease
Take some stress off by slowly easing back into the back-to-school routine. Below are five strategies for you to try.
Bring bedtime back
This is an important one, and it’s something you need to start now, before the school bell rings.
“Our body responds better to sleep when a routine is in place,” says sleep consultant Heather Young.
Your routine should start with dinner.
"Set a dinner time and stick to it," says Young. You don’t want to be eating too close to your bedtime, as this will prevent you from falling into a proper sleep."
Young also suggests to eliminate screen time before bed, add things like a bath or teeth brushing into your routine, and be strict with the time.
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“The summer leads to late nights. You have to break that trend and get to bed," Young recommends. "When you and your children understand the importance of a good sleep, your goal should be 7 to 8 hours a night."
Meal prep
By taking a few moments in the evening to pack your lunch, you can set yourself up for a smoother morning routine.
“Allow the kids to be involved with planning their lunch,” says nutritionist Diane Murphy. “I like to mix things up with a bento box. Think little compartments of different flavours and foods.”
What goes into the bento box? Murphy suggests:
Chicken chunks
Boiled egg
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Hummus or tzatziki
Berries
Red pepper
Grapes
Carrots
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This style of lunch is easy to change on the fly so you can accommodate different tastes. With so many options, it’s hard for this one to get “boring”.
Murphy suggests investing in a thermos if you don't already own one, as it can effectively maintain the temperature of your meals all day.
“A thermos is great for packing a nice hot lunch especially when the weather becomes cooler," suggests Murphy. "Think warm chicken soups, beef barley stew, or even a cold bean salad. The thermos is great!”
Keep health top of mind
Hand sanitizer should be provided in schools, but it's also recommended to purchase a travel bottle for added convenience. Educate your kids on the significance of washing hands, as this practice is crucial for their classroom environment.
Also, create a plan. What happens if someone gets sick? Who will stay home? How will you communicate with the class? Being prepared ahead of time will help ease any stress in case someone does become ill.
WATCH BELOW: How to really wash your hands
Take time to talk about anxiety
Plan a family meeting and talk about any added worry or stress.
Worries are common as children go back to school, according to Anxiety Canada. They suggest the following:
Take care of the basics like proper sleep, exercise and nutrition
Provide empathy and listen to your children's concerns
Put your child's mind at ease by providing responses to issues/worries before they even happen
Focus on positive and exciting elements of starting a new school year
If your child is attending a new school or is walking/biking on their own, make sure you practice the route before the first day arrives.
Create a homework haven
Eventually the landslide of homework will hit! Or perhaps your child is virtually attending school this year. You need a space that is comfortable, free of distractions, and dedicated to learning.
Create a space in your home that is the “school spot.”
Make sure the area is well lit and has all the essentials your child needs. By having a dedicated space, it’s easier to focus on the task at hand. This also prevents school work from being strewn all across the kitchen table or counter!
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For some learners, electronic devices are necessary; however, for younger children, distractions like the tablet should be removed from the homework haven.
There will be lots of emotion on the first day of school! Being prepared is key. Also remember to focus on the happy and exciting moments that occur during the first week of school.
WATCH BELOW: Three back-to-school hacks you should try (blow dryer required)
(Thumbnail photo courtesy of bluecinema/Getty Images)
