Family Wellness Tip

Jump Back

Breaks from school can be so nice. We don't have to wake up our kids to get on their meet. We don't have the homework battle. Kids aren't stressed out from work and friend drama. BUT we have to go back to school sometime. So how do we make the move back to school easier...Jump Back.

Jumping back into routines can feel painful. Maybe you didn't keep up a sleep schedule or chore list. If you are like most of us, you have to start over. Starting over means jumping back into the routines. If you practice few days before school starts, it can make it a little easier.

How do we start over a few days before the kids go back to school?

  • Countdown the last 3 days before school.

  • Remind them of the good things about school (friends, learning, teacher).

  • Get them to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each day.

  • Wake them 15-30 minutes earlier each day.

  • Have a daily list of tasks they must get done before end of the day.

  • Require reading 20+ minutes before doing a preferred activity or getting electronics.

  • Stay calm, stay neutral, and validate their feelings.

  • Plan a special activity to celebrate the first week back.

No these are not miracle cures. Kids more than likely will resist, at least a little. Like everyone, kids want to do what they want to do. Every time we make it different or difficult, we get more talking back or aggressive behaviors. It is not easy and will pass with time. If it is too much for you or your family to handle, contact your school counselor or your pediatrician for help.