For many families, September marks the end of summer vacation and the start of a more structured school routine. It can be hard for kids to transition from summer fun to maintaining daily schedules, doing homework, and getting plenty of sleep. I remember as a kid missing the end of summer days and also feeling excited about buying new school supplies and jumping back into structured days. Here are some basic survival tips for making the school schedule transition a little easier.
This is a sponsored post for Sleep Zzz Pillow. All opinions are my own.
Clear out Wardrobes for Easy Outfit Choices
Is it hard for your kids to get dressed in the morning? Simplify outfit choices by putting away all the casual summer clothing and streamlining your kids’ closets with cute, school-appropriate outfits. You can always set aside a few shorts and tank tops for after school play. Coordinate kid’s outfits together in the closet that your child likes, so you can minimize clothing battles and your child can easily get dressed. If you find some holes in your wardrobe, take your child on a school clothing shopping trip, which will make going back to school even more fun!
Get Plenty of Sleep
It’s hard to get up in the morning if kids stay up late and it takes several days to get used to a new sleep routine. Start your kid’s school sleep schedule the week before school begins so they are used to going to bed in a timely manner and getting up earlier.
Give your kids incentives to practice getting up early by making a fun breakfast or going to a morning activity at the library. Our summer routine changes every day, so it will be very helpful for our family to practice our morning school routine before we actually have to get everyone out the door on time.
A Comfy Pillow for Restful Slumber
The Sleep Zzz Pillow is a great spot to lounge and even promotes more restful sleep during the night!
Plenty of sleep is essential for kids to be refreshed and feel ready to learn new things! Many elementary school schedules even include nap time so young kids can rest during the day. My girls love sleeping with their Sleep Zzz Pillow which also doubles as a great nap mat! Kids can tuck right into the middle of this body pillow, which provides head support and cradles them inside the unique U pillow design. This sleep pillow is also great for kids who may feel anxious about taking a nap at school because it helps them create their own little personal space. The Sleep Zzz Pillow is a go-to essential for restful slumber and cozy bedtimes at home. This innovative pillow is also a Green Scene Mom Award winner!
The Sleep Zzz Pillow was created by the inventors of the Twin Z Pillow (seen on ABC’s show SHARK TANK) for one of their own children with sensory issues, to help her fall asleep and stay asleep. It worked and this innovative Sleep Zzz Pillow has helped hundreds of parents get their kids to bed faster and stay asleep longer!
The Sleep Zzz Pillow is also useful for nap time, lounging, and quiet time. My kids love using their Amazon Fire tablet after naps and this pillow gives them a cozy spot to rest. You carry it all over the house and easily wash the removable cover.
Let Your Kids Pick Out Their Own Supplies
If your child is resistant or concerned about going back to school, try to make the experience fun by letting them pick out their own school supplies. Even kids who love school enjoy picking out school supplies! My girls love choosing glitter notebooks, gel pens, and sparkly pencils which make doing their math problems a lot more fun. Of course don’t forget to stock up on stickers to decorate notebooks and binders!
Pack Healthy Lunches & Snacks
My kids feel a lot more energized during the day if we minimize sugar and give them healthy lunch choices. I try to come up with creative ways to encourage them to actually eat their veggie sticks and whole-grain crackers.
- Pair celery sticks with peanut butter or Nutella dip.
- Cut up cheese squares to pair with healthy crackers.
- Skip the sugar-filled yogurt and pack kids a parfait with flavored Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola.
- Make protein-packed ham and cheese sandwiches on 9-grain bread (covers 3 food groups).
You can even let your kids pack their own lunch the night before from a pre-approved list of lunch options, which will make lunch time much more fun!
Related Post: Cute Food Shapes & Lunch Ideas for Kids »
Create a Daily Routine Chart
Set expectations for school days with a chart that empowers kids to manage their own schedule. This chart can include a list of daily activities which you can reward with a sticker when your child completes each one. At the end of the week if a child receives all their stickers they can pick a small prize.
Daily Routine Chart activities could include:
- Getting up right away
- Getting dressed
- Brushing teeth
- Completing homework
- Finishing daily chores
- Exercising
- Picking up their room
- Choosing an outfit for the next day
Moms have a lot of responsibility to enforce their kids’ routines but we can also help our kids take charge of their own busy days. Kids benefit from knowing what’s expected of them and learning how they can contribute to an organized home and successful school routine.
What’s your favorite tip for preparing kids to go back to school?
Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 3 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, taking photos and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!
What a great post! My son starts kindergarten next year and I love all your neat ideas!
Soooo handy. Good ideas. Thank you for this post <3
What great suggestions!
I love the comfy pillow. Good rest is vital to growing children and to the development.
Your images are so fun. I do not even have little kids anymore but still enjoyed this post. Thank you.
My mom used to let me pick my own supplies. It made me feel like I have the creative ddirection for my supplies.
she is such a doll! and i’m applying these tips to myself — i’m going back to school and they sound fantastic 🙂
We started school over a month ago and some times still have trouble with our routine. I think making a routine chart is brilliant!
I am happy that I don’t have to go to school anymore and I don’t yet have children, so I don’t have to worry about the back to school issues. I do agree though on the healthy snacks and the routine.
Great lunch pack and this are great tips! Awesome schedule you’ve shared!
Great tips, and I love the pics! Back to school time hit fast at our home this year, so this comes in handy!
The Sleepy Zzz pillows look super comfy!! These back to schools tips are on point. I don’t have kids yet, but these are incredibly important especially the healthy packing lunches. Nutrition is essential for kids development.
Back to school changes every year! Thank you for the fresh TIPS!
Firstly – such cute pictures – also love the tips. I am sure parents will find it extremely useful.
❥ tanvii.com
These are all great tips! I loved back to school as a kid. Picking out my outfits was the best time for me LOL
This post is good idea though!These are all great tips and advice as I would love to have kids one day!
These are great tips! Especially getting plenty of rest lol. That seems to be a deal breaker in my house.
These are all great tips and advice as I would love to have kids one day. This surely looks like a great schedule to follow to stay on top of things when school starts!
so glad I’m done with school! this post is a great idea though. I know it will come in handy to so many parents out there. some great tips and tricks