Easing the Transition from Summer to School
August 10th, 2011 | 
Author: by Jocelyn Anne
As a young child, I remember the period of anticipating leaving behind summer and having to jump into school, just as much as I remember the actual first few days of the switch. Some years were tougher than others and some years smoother, but no matter what, there was definitely always a transition to work through. I’m a firm believer that the best approach is to approach it well in advance. Whether you’ve already began to think about the upcoming transition or the thought hasn’t even crossed your mind yet, here are some tips that can hopefully make one season flow seamlessly into the other and ease this phase for both your children and you.
Slowly Add Back Some Routine
One of the biggest changes, minus the 8 hours about to be dedicated to school instead of playing, is the re-institution of routine that most of us let go of to some extent during the summer months. Suddenly, bed times are non-negotiable, wake-ups arrive altogether too early, meals are set and evenings full of scheduled activities and homework. There’s no arguing that the change from free time all the time to a fullly-packed schedule can be overwhelming and even disheartening. You can easily ease this transition by making small changes, starting now. Your kids may argue that you’re “ruining” summer or that they’d rather get all the scheduling and routine “inflicted” all at one time, but in the long run, you’ll all be better off with a transition that starts earlier and smaller in measure. Gradually start implementing bed “times.” That doesn’t necessarily have to mean bed at 9 p.m. sharp, but it might mean in bed no later than 9:30. Also, start easing your children into waking up at a certain time. The time itself is not as important as the adjustment to being woken up and getting in the habit of starting their day.
Make Sure to Enjoy the Remaining Days
Reminding your children that school and fall is nearing doesn’t have to be negative. Use it as a way to encourage them to remember all the things they hoped to do this summer. Perhaps they can compile a list of what’s left. Were they dreaming to make it to the new water park? Finish a book series? Craft something? Spend an afternoon with you? If you’re able to find out what they really wanted/want to do, then you can make plans to accomplish all the realistic possibilities in the time that’s left. Children have a much easier time leaving summer behind when they feel like they got to do what they had been hoping to. You can easily eliminate unnecessary feelings of remorse or regret this way.
Implement a Celebratory Family Tradition
If your family doesn’t yet have an exciting way to celebrate the arrival of school, I highly advise that you start one! Maybe you plan a special backyard barbecue and pool party. Perhaps you go visit the local water park. Maybe you take one last weekend camping trip. Maybe you just camp out in the backyard! Whatever it is, make sure the entire family is a part of it and make it an unforgettable time. Give your children an opportunity to talk about what they’re excited for in school this year, even if it is completely unrelated to “school” and instead has to do with recess or friends or joining the basketball team.
Get Feedback
Ask your children what they will miss most about summer or what they will have the hardest time adjusting to. Once you know, you can work specifically on that area for each child individually. You might discover that they’re overwhelmed about the new grade they’re about to enter. Maybe they aren’t ready to give up so much time with you. You can focus on easing tensions and relieving worries well in advance to make the whole season more peaceful and calm.
Enjoy!
More than anything, use your last month to just enjoy the time you’re blessed to have with your children. Try to ease worries and try to implement some structure and routine into their life wherever you can. It might not seem fun now, but when you notice the stress eased on their little faces with the arrival of back-to-school morning, it will all be worth it. Start getting excited about making their school lunches and ask for their opinions and their help. Even planning after-school snacks can spark some smiles and excitement. Oh! And, get a jump start on back to school shopping. It’s much more enjoyable when you don’t have to fight through the crowds!
Freelancer Jocelyn Anne is passionate about families and particularly about healthy eating within the family. At the moment she’s been crafting up and writing about her newest favorite kid-approved homemade frozen yogurt recipes for ice cream makers.
Posted in Elementary