{"id":7957,"date":"2016-08-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/getting-ready-for-back-to-school-routines\/"},"modified":"2016-08-23T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-08-23T00:00:00","slug":"getting-ready-for-back-to-school-routines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/getting-ready-for-back-to-school-routines\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Ready for Back-to-School Routines"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"gotr\"<\/p>\n

Ah, the days of summer.<\/em>\u00a0Between loosened schedules, random adventures and extended bedtimes, there\u2019s no doubt that kids love the relaxed fun only summer can bring. But as the calendar moves further into August, one thing becomes clear: back-to-school season is here!<\/p>\n

As a Together Counts \u2122 partner, we realize after following a less-structured schedule for the past couple of months, it\u2019s important to ease back into routines, helping ensure a successful start of the school year.<\/p>\n

Jackie Jackson-Dean, a school psychologist in Pasco County, Florida, says, \u201cSummer time is often filled with fun activities like camps and vacations. There isn\u2019t the hustle and bustle of daily learning and normal routines often become scattered. By thinking ahead of the transition from summer to the beginning of school, parents can slowly prepare their children for the earlier bedtimes and wake-ups, packing of lunches, homework time, etc\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

For adults, going with the flow and being flexible might be standard operating procedure, but kids actually crave more structure. Experiencing predictable patterns gives them security in their environment. When children know what to expect, it reduces the likelihood that they will experience anxiety or stress.<\/p>\n

So as change looms near, Jackson-Dean recommends these helpful tips to help make the transition back-to-school as smooth as possible:<\/p>\n

Gradually adjust bed and wake-up times.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of asking children to go to bed a full hour earlier the night before the first day of school, try introducing bedtime that gradually moves toward the goal time. For example, if summer bedtime is 9:30 p.m. and the goal is 9:00 p.m., start by moving bedtime 10 minutes earlier each night until the goal is reached. Use the same strategy for morning wake-ups to help ward-off grumpy risers.<\/p>\n

Recruit lunch\/snack help.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your child packs her lunch or snacks for school, include her in the grocery shopping planning. Go through the store ads and pick out foods together that your child can pack in her lunch box. By allowing her to take part in the planning, she\u2019ll feel more part of the process and is more likely to embrace to idea.<\/p>\n

Plan back-to-school fashion to avoid morning crisis.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many parents battle with their children about what to wear to school. Start early by encouraging your child to think about what she\u2019d like to wear the first week back. Try laying out outfits you agree on the night before and take the guesswork out of morning procedures.<\/p>\n

Be a planner.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Begin thinking about any afterschool, bedtime and morning routines that you want to establish and make checklists of the crucial steps for each. For example, if your child\u2019s afterschool routine includes getting off the bus, putting shoes and backpack in a designated area, getting a snack and having a few minutes of TV\/computer time before completing homework, write all of these steps on a list. Use the checklist to reinforce the routine during the first few weeks of school, until it becomes habit.<\/p>\n

Going back-to-school doesn\u2019t have to be a stressful time. By planning ahead and using these easy strategies, you\u2019ll help ensure a smooth family transition!<\/p>\n

\"gotr<\/p>\n

Kara Deschenes has a passion for inspiring people to be active and writes for Remarkable!<\/a>, the Girls on the Run blog. As a health and fitness writer and editor, Kara\u2019s work has also been published by Women’s Running magazine, IRONMAN, and Active.com. Find more from Kara on the Remarkable! blog<\/a> or on Twitter by following @KaraDeschenes.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Check out these blogs for more back-to-school tips from Together Counts:<\/p>\n