Back-to-School Schedules

Starting the school year is stressful — and not just because of new teachers and classes. After those carefree summer months, getting back into a school year routine can be an adjustment. With some simple tactics, though, you can set a back-to-school schedule that works for everyone.

It’s vital to resume a routine with your child several weeks before school starts. Go over your child’s entire morning schedule with him, and start enforcing set bedtimes and waking times. Buy him a radio alarm clock so he can learn to get up on his own. If it helps at first, prepare special meals to make it easier for your child to get out of bed. After breakfast during these trial weeks, have him engage in productive activities, such as reading or writing — that is what he will be expected to do come September.

Avoid the morning rush by taking some extra time in the evening to lay out clothes, get backpacks ready in a designated space, pack lunches and set the breakfast table. Encourage your children to help with these tasks by gradually giving them responsibilities. You should also ban TV in the morning and instead play music that will energize your kids as they get ready for school. To make sure you don’t lose track of time, set your kitchen timer for five minutes before you have to leave, and make every effort to ensure that mornings set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

You can also eliminate homework battles by establishing a routine based on the time of day your child concentrates best, when a grown-up is available to help and what activities take place after school. Talk to your child and agree on a plan, then set the kitchen timer as a reminder of when homework time begins so he can develop independence and personal responsibility.

Finally, expect behavior meltdowns or tears after school for the first few weeks. Your child will be coping with a new set of challenges, so try and find ways to lighten your own schedule, if possible. Always make time to talk to your child about his day, and remember that by October the new patterns will be second nature to your entire family.

About the author: Stacy DeBroff is president and founder of Mom Central, a company devoted to providing pragmatic tips and savvy advice to strengthen busy families and enhance the home environment.