Creative Strategies to Help Your Child Adjust to School Routines

As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically, but it’s equally important to prioritize their overall well-being. Transitioning to school routines can be overwhelming for kids with busy schedules, homework, and various demands. To help your child thrive in this environment, as a parent, you must ensure your child is equipped with the right tools. In this blog, we’ll explore creative strategies and “hacks” to assist your child in adjusting to school routines while nurturing their well-being.

Let’s explore some practical tips to implement in your child’s daily school routine:

Start the day with mindful rituals

Encourage your child to begin their day with mindfulness or reflection. This can involve activities like: 

• Deep breathing exercises
• Positive affirmations
• A moment of gratitude

These mindful rituals set a positive tone and help them focus on the day ahead.

Fuel their learning

Balanced meals that fuel your child’s brain and support their learning are important. As the first meal, breakfast gives kids energy to start the day. Despite this, 13% of school-aged kids skip breakfast. This number jumps to more than 27%, on average, for adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. 

“Breakfast is free for every scholar at Uplift Education,” stated Dr. Remy Washington, President of Uplift Education, the largest charter school network in Dallas/Fort Worth. “We put high emphasis on maximizing learning during the first part of the school day because we know that’s when kids are most primed to absorb and retain information.” 

A good breakfast is key for better memory, attention, and overall nutrition. For those busy mornings, some good grab-and-go breakfast meals include:

• Fresh fruit
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Yogurt or granola bars

Create a calm environment for studying

After a busy day at school, it’s time to get down to business with homework. Set up a quiet and clutter-free space for studying for your child. Ensure it is well-lit, comfortable, and free from distractions. A serene environment helps children concentrate and reduces stress.

Hack the study habits to improve school routines

Help your child learn how to manage their time effectively.  There are a variety of strategies and techniques for time management.  Try different methods and find the one that resonates with your child’s personality.

Here are a few to explore:

• The Planner Habit.  Select an age-appropriate planner notebook (let you child help choose) and start by writing down homework each day.  Go over your child’s plans for the next day each evening.  Learn more about building the planner habit.
• The Pomodoro Technique.  This technique uses a timer to help set intervals for work and breaks and helps children learn how to focus.  Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique.
• Eat the Frog.  This principle for time management focuses on tackling the most dreaded tasks first and building a sense of accomplishment.  Learn more about the Eat the Frog principle.

There are many other techniques to explore and find what works for your child.  Find more resources by grade level here.  No matter what technique you use, encourage your child to take movement breaks.  Taking a short walk, or even just stretching will help your child refocus.

Establish sleep routines

Sufficient sleep is crucial for your child’s well-being and academic performance. Set consistent bedtimes and establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Create a calm atmosphere by limiting screen time before bed and encouraging activities like reading or relaxation exercises. Read more about establishing a sleep routine for your child.

Foster open communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns, or any challenges they may be facing. Actively listen and validate their feelings. This support helps them navigate potential stressors and builds resilience. Learn more here about talking to your child about school and other activities in their life.

Watch for warning signs

Despite our best efforts at building healthy routines, our children can still feel overwhelmed by school or social situations. Children don’t always have the emotional maturity or vocabulary to express themselves. The best we can do is to become “noticers” of them. Stress in children can manifest as changes in their typical behavior. Each age/stage may show this differently. Common changes can include:

• Being moody or irritable
• Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed
• Routinely expressing worry
• Complaining about school
• Crying
• Showing fearful reactions
• Becoming overly clingy
• Changing eating and sleeping patterns

Learn more about signs of stress in children by age.  If you are concerned, contact your child’s teachers, school counselor, or seek professional help.

“Prioritizing our scholars’ emotional well-being has been a core priority for our network of schools,” says Dr. John Gasko, Chief Well-Being & SEL Officer of Uplift Education. “All 45 of our schools have a licensed social and behavioral counselor on their campus, ready to step in and help any child in distress. When children feel supported, safe, and emotionally balanced, they are better equipped to engage in the learning process.”

As parents, we play a vital role in helping our children adjust to school routines while prioritizing their well-being. We can support our children in their academic journey by incorporating these creative strategies and equipping them with the tools to thrive in school and in life.

Learn more about Uplift Education and how to apply. Click here for more information.