Have you always hated the dreadful moment right after the holidays, when you’ve had a delightful break, the most wonderful time of year has come and gone, and then it’s finally time to get back into the swing of things? As adults, we know how much we dread that first Monday back to work after a couple of weeks away. For kids, the feelings are similar and the change can result in some unwanted behavior.

Although your children may sigh at the realization that their long summer break from school has come to an end, going back to school and getting back into the routine is inevitable. We’re sure you’re stocking up on school supplies, new school clothes or uniforms, backpacks, and lunch boxes for your children. The lazy summer days are over for your kids, and bedtimes, curfews, and early morning wake-up calls have become the new norm.

What Is a Good Sleeping Routine for After School?

Getting enough sleep at night is important for your child’s academic performance, class time attention span, and overall health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that children between the ages of five and 12 need an average of 10 to 11 hours of sleep every night, and children ages 10 to 18 need about 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night. It can be difficult to get your children to bed at a decent hour, especially after a long summer of sleeping in.

Lack of sleep contributes to a wide range of woes, including impaired performance in school and behavioral and emotional problems.

Best Tips to Getting Your Child Back into Routine

Here are a few tips for getting your children back into their regular routine as painlessly as possible:

Kids look at our behavior much more than we realize. If you are reinstating your own bedtime and setting your alarm to wake up early each morning, chances are your child will fall back into their own routine easier.

  • Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
  • Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
  • Make the bedroom quiet, dark, and a little bit cool.
  • Do not have computers or televisions in a bedroom. Make sure electronics are turned off about an hour before bedtime.
  • Get up at the same time every morning.
  • Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medication that has a stimulant, before bedtime.
  • Don’t let your children go to bed hungry, but don’t let them eat a big meal before bedtime either.

Parting Thoughts – What Helps Back to School Anxiety?

If your child has a less-than-happy reaction to the news of returning to school, let them have their meltdown. The truth is, we’d like to have our own pity party over returning to work and we shouldn’t expect our children to feel any different. So, give them time to express their feelings then firmly explain that though you understand and sympathize with them, they still have to return to school. Chances are, having a little meltdown now will prevent any problems in the long run.

We wish you the best of luck with getting back into a routine and hope your children have a fun and successful school year!