Hey there, momma! I totally understand how overwhelming it can be when summer fun wraps up and it’s time to dive back into the school routine. Those early mornings, packed schedules, and endless to-do lists can make anyone’s head spin!
It’s a mad dash every morning, just trying to get the kids out the door on time. One is having a meltdown, another can’t pull himself away from his screens to pack his bag, and the last one is stirring up trouble.
Meanwhile, you’re juggling everything from homework to sports gear, making sure every paper is signed and water bottles are packed! Just thinking about it can be stressful, and that’s the last thing you need as the school year starts!
But don’t worry; with a few simple strategies, you can create a back-to-school routine that feels manageable – and dare I say – even enjoyable? 😁
Main Points
I know you’re busy momma!
So here’s what I want you to remember, when creating your back to school routine:
Set Consistent Wake-Up Times: Establish a regular wake-up time now, before school starts, to help everyone adjust to the school routine smoothly.
Create a Family Calendar: Use a shared calendar to track important dates, assignments, and activities.
Incorporate Wind-Down Time: Set aside evening time now, before school starts, to hang out as a family and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Involve the Kids: Empower your children by having them participate in planning, teaching responsibility, and letting them own their part of the routine.
Just start working on these steps, and come back to read the whole article when you have more time. Don’t forget to pin it for later!
How to Get Back into the School Routine
Getting back into the school routine can feel like a big leap, but it doesn’t have to be daunting! The key is to ease into it, giving both you and the kiddos a little time to adjust.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into some simple, yet effective tips to make this transition smooth and enjoyable for everyone!
1. Create an Evening and Bedtime Routine
First things first, let’s talk about creating a school bedtime routine! As August wraps up, it’s the perfect time to start winding down those late summer nights.
Gradually adjusting bedtimes can make a big difference when school begins. Aim to have the kids go to bed a solid half hour earlier, or even just 15 minutes each week.
So, if their target bedtime is 8:30 and they’re currently going to bed at 10:00, move bedtime earlier by half an hour each week. By September, they’ll be used to the new schedule without feeling overwhelmed by a sudden change.
I like to use our evening routine for the whole family to relax after a busy day. During the school year, we often read, watch movies, or play board games together.
If that’s something you want to do, start incorporating it now.
But it doesn’t have to be board games; it’s summer, so you can still enjoy outdoor activities in the evenings!
Then it’s showers, prayers, and off to bed. Since my boys are older than yours, you’ll need to create an evening routine that works for your kids.
The key is to start implementing it now, before school begins.
2. Create a New Morning Routine
Now that we’ve set the stage for a great sleep schedule, let’s create a morning routine to make those early school days easier!
The first few weeks of August are ideal for helping kids wake up at the same time each morning to adjust to the new routine. If your kids are involved in sports like mine, it’s a natural transition since practice starts this month!
Just like at night, start waking them 15 to 30 minutes earlier each week until you reach your target wake-up time. My kids need to catch the bus at 6:00, so we’ll gradually shift our wake-up time, starting at 8:00 and ending at 6:00.
Once the school year begins, a solid morning routine is key. I like to serve breakfast, but keep it quick: pop-tarts, cereal, toast, bagels, or egg sandwiches.
If we have leftovers from Sunday breakfast, that works too. While they get ready for school, I pack their lunch boxes.
Their tasks include showering, brushing teeth, and packing bags. I have their planners and signed papers ready at our homework station, so they can just grab them for their backpacks.
After they finish, they help me pack their lunches, and then we wait for the bus and chat!
I don’t allow screen time in the morning, as it distracts them from getting things done.
While you don’t have to start your morning routine right away, it helps to have it planned out and ready to go!
3. Set Up an After School Routine
Creating a smooth after-school routine is just as important as busy mornings! While you don’t need to implement it right now in August, having a general idea of what it will look like and getting things set up is essential.
Set Up a Central Command Station
Having a central station for homework, papers, notes, and backpacks can make a huge difference when the school year starts! Choose a specific area, like a landing space by the front door or a desk—ours is a dining room buffet.
We have a basket for school papers and planners, and after I sign them, I lay them out for easy packing. I sort through the papers, keeping some for scrapbooks and shredding the rest.
We also use a whiteboard for the school menu and a calendar for after-school activities. Our backpacks hang by the door, and we have bins for each boy with hats, gloves, and sports gear in the closet.
This setup promotes responsibility and helps my kids manage their belongings effectively while making it easy to grab what they need on busy mornings!
Set Up a Homework Station
Now that you have a central command station, it’s time to create a homework station that makes study time easy!
Find a quiet corner in your home—like a part of the living room or a spare room—and fill it with essentials: a sturdy desk, a comfy chair, good lighting, and easy access to supplies like pens, pencils, and paper. Each of my boys has their own desk, which they love since they don’t often get their own space in a big family!
Encourage them to personalize their station with favorite colors, motivational quotes, or a little plant to inspire creativity. Let them take ownership of the space to spark excitement and engagement in their learning.
Setting regular homework times also helps establish a routine that boosts focus and productivity. The goal is to make homework something they look forward to—or at least tolerate—rather than dread! 🤣😂
Review Your Safety Plan
My son once ended up home alone after school – as a first grader!! It was so scary.
The school forgot to send him home to his grandma’s house, and she was busy working and hadn’t noticed that he hadn’t been dropped off yet. Poor Toots didn’t even know how to call me!
So since then, we talk about what to do in every kind of emergency, and the boys all know how to use the phone.
So, gather as a family and go through the safety plan together. Discuss any changes that might have occurred recently, such as new routes, updated emergency contacts, or even changes in local safety protocols.
Hang emergency numbers by the phone. It helps to have pictures of each contact, if your child can’t read yet.
This not only reinforces their understanding but also empowers them to feel prepared and confident. Plus, having these conversations can be a great bonding experience!
Make it interactive by asking them questions or even role-playing different scenarios. You’d be amazed at how much they’ll absorb when it’s fun and engaging!
Ready to Make This School Year a Breeze? Download Your Free Back to School Routine Kit!
Don’t miss out on the chance to set your family up for success this school year! Our free Back to School Success Kit is packed with helpful resources like chore charts, checklists, and daily schedules that can make organizing your home easier and more fun.
Whether you’re looking to establish the perfect school schedule or set up your back to school routine, these tools can help smooth out the bumps of a busy school year.
Download your kit today and take the first step towards a more harmonious, productive school year!
Claim Your Free Back to School Routine Kit!
FAQs
Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions that can guide you even further in making this school year a success.
Q: What is a good school day routine?
A: A good school day routine relies on consistency and balance! Start with a regular wake-up time to kick off the day right.
Include time for a healthy breakfast to fuel young minds. Create a designated homework area to minimize distractions, and take short breaks during study sessions to boost focus and retention.
Finally, wrap up the day with a relaxing evening routine—like reading or sharing stories—to help your kids prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Remember, every family is unique, so adjust this routine to fit your needs! 😊
Q: What should I prepare for back to school?
A: Preparing for back to school can be an exciting time! Start by gathering essential school supplies like notebooks, pens, and any specific items your child’s classroom needs.
Don’t forget a comfortable backpack to carry it all!
Next, set up a tidy study area at home that’s free from distractions. Consider setting some goals with your kids for the upcoming school year to keep them motivated.
Lastly, prepare healthy snacks for those long school days! A little preparation makes the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone! 😊
Q: How can I make going back to school fun?
A: Making going back to school fun can be as simple as turning it into a special event!
You could host a “back-to-school bash” with family and friends, featuring games, decorations, and a themed meal. Or, let your kids choose a new outfit or school supplies they’re excited about—this gives them something to look forward to!
Consider starting a countdown to the first day of school, celebrating each day with a small treat or fun activity. Little surprises can turn the back-to-school blues into an exciting adventure!
Remember, it’s all about creating memorable first days. 😊
At the End of the Day…
At the end of the day, momma, what truly matters is the love and support you share as a family. Amid the hustle and bustle of getting ready for school and managing busy schedules, take a moment to cherish these connections.
These days will go by waaaay to fast momma! Slow down and enjoy them. ❤️
Before you know it, your son or daughter will be graduating from high school.
Remember, it’s not just about the routines or the supplies; it’s about fostering a positive environment where your kids feel valued and heard. Celebrate the little victories, whether it’s a good grade or a kind gesture, and always keep the lines of communication open.
Life is a journey, and making memories together is what makes it all worthwhile.
More Help for Back to School Time
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