Here are 6 top tips to help get your little loved ones ready to roam the school halls again post Christmas and New Year, or rather, 6 Top Tips To Get Your Kids Ready For Going Back To School Post-Christmas.
It can be challenging to get kids ready to head back to school for learning after a busy festive period. Even as adults, we understand the struggle. After a few weeks of overindulging and days jam-packed with activities, gearing up for work again can take time. And it’s no different for your children.
Post festive blues really are a thing. And even the most studious kids can feel overwhelmed by the idea of heading back to class. But with preparation and positivity, you can get the most avoidant kids excited about going back to school.
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6 Top Tips To Get Your Kids Ready For Going Back To School Post-Christmas
Sort That Bedtime Routine
It’s unavoidable. During the festive period, your well-oiled bedtime routine will have gone out the window. Not only because of the fact your kids might want to stay up for Santa’s arrival. But New Year would likely have had them welcoming 2022 together as a family.
You might be tempted to rush the early bedtimes back in at breakneck speed. But that’s likely to leave kids rebelling. And they’re unlikely to settle as their circadian rhythm will still be out of whack.
Instead of focusing on switching their bedtime routine back quickly, focus on gradually reintroducing an earlier bedtime.
Gradually reverting back to an earlier bedtime will give your kids the time they need to readjust. Both in body and mind. And consider introducing a few things that’ll make the school run easier.
Like laying their clothes out ready for the next day before they settle down for sleep. Or reducing their screen time before bed.
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Sit Down And Talk
Heading back into school can bring up some anxieties and stresses for your children. Especially after Christmas, as it can feel like a real gear change as they transition from festive fun to focusing on learning.
Sit them down and talk about what they can expect. If our kids know what’s around the corner, they’re much more prepared to face it.
And they can do it with some independence. Explain that the festive period is now over, and it’s time to get back to school.
Don’t forget to focus on the positives of your Christmas experience. And that you’ve enjoyed the time together. Then move into going over routines and what’s expected of them. Give your kids time to voice any concerns.
And work together to come up with positive solutions. You’ll find your kids are much more excited about going back when they have time to accept the transition.
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Get Organized
Now your kids are getting back into their old routines, and you’ve had a good old chat, it’s time to get organized. That means making sure they haven’t suddenly outgrown their wardrobe (which is more common than you’d think with growing kids!).
And check that they’ve got all the tools they need to succeed.
Check in with the school if you’re unsure what they’ll need in the coming term. And ask your kids if there’s anything they think would help their school life go smoother.
They might indeed test the boundaries and ask for more gifts than supplies. But making an effort to ask makes them feel included.
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There are plenty of places online to fulfil your school supply needs. It might be that they need a new bag, so check out backpack nz options. Searching online during the January sales can save you a pretty penny.
As well as saving you a trip out when you’re busy organizing the return to school.
Make Sure You’re Ready Too
Going back to school isn’t just about the kids. It’s about you too. And after a busy Christmas and New Year, having to get up and prep everyone to go back to school can feel overwhelming. So don’t push your needs into the background.
For your kids to excel, you need to feel your best too. Spend some time doing little things to prepare yourself for a quieter home. Because while you’ll no doubt be excited, you don’t have to keep a troupe entertained. It can feel bittersweet after a family-oriented festive period.
Organize movie nights or family walks to squeeze out every moment together possible. And then spend some time alone. Think bubble baths and a good book. Or an afternoon at the shops.
These little things will help you transition and get you ready to say goodbye to your kids and go back to work yourself.
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Give Yourself Extra Time On The Big Day
No matter how prepared you are, the day of going back to school is always hectic. You can have clothes out, breakfast prepared, and lunch bags stocked up, ready to go. But there will always be something you haven’t accounted for. That’s just life.
To avoid being overwhelmed by the unexpected, get up earlier than you need to. And yes, that sounds painful on the first day back. But it will make the day easier.
With all that extra time, you’ll be able to tackle anything!
Your Positivity Will Rub Off On Them
The attitude you take to your kids heading back to school will make a big impression on them. And negativity has a tendency to rub off on them.
But that means that positivity will rub off on them too. In the lead up to their first day back, talk about all the things they have to be excited about.
That’ll keep them focused on all the good things waiting for them, rather than the things they’re anxious about.
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Gearing up to go back to school after the festive period isn’t that different to getting ready to head back after a long summer. While you might not need to spend as much money on new school supplies, you do need to make an effort to prepare your kids.
Making sure their routines are nailed down is first and foremost. Routines have a habit of going out the window during festivities.
So ensuring they’re prepared with enough sleep and an action plan goes a long way. And don’t forget to talk them through their worries.
Knowing they can come to you with help ease their anxieties and help them look forward to entering the classroom again.
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