How to transition from summer to school

WARREN, R.I. (WPRI) - Many parents will be transitioning from summer mode to back to school.

And for most families, back to school season can become stressful. The Children's Workshop recommends you start organizing with starting a calendar for your family.

"Get the doctor's appointments for the year on it, any birthday parties you have, any things you have going on that you know about from September to June. Get it on the calendar now, so once the school year gets rolling, it will be much easier for you as a parent to look at it, and know what's going on for the week," said Nicole Chiello of The Children's Workshop.

Don't forget to organize your house as well.

"Designate a homework area, designate a place where they can put their lunch bags every day. Just start to get your house organized, so your kids know what to expect come the first day of school."

Buying school supplies ahead of time can also be helpful.

"For parents, school supply shopping can be a very daunting task. To start it really early, and focus on the basics, helps alleviate any stress."

About two weeks before school starts parents should re-establish school year routines.

1. Start organizing early. Get your children’s appointments for doctors completed before the start of the school year. Get a school year calendar ready and mark down any important days or appointments you have during the school year ahead of time. That way, when it gets busier for both you and your child, you won’t miss anything important! You can also organize your house for “back-to-school” mode. Designate a homework area early, label the area you want their backpacks and lunch boxes to go, and create a place where you keep any and all important school information.
2. Buy school supplies ahead of time. Going shopping for school the week of school starting can be a very daunting task. Every time you go out during the summer, grab something you know your child may need. Every teacher may have a different list of “supplies” for their classroom, but you know every child is going to need the basics. Getting that stuff early ensures you are beating the crowds!
3. Re-establish your school year routines. Summer is a time for children to stay up later than normal and eat at varied hours. In August, begin to prepare your children for the schedule they will have in September. Have them begin to eat breakfast as soon as they wake up, and go to bed just a little earlier every night. That way, it won’t seem like such a drastic change for them and that night before school won’t be a big family fight.

If your child is nervous, there are ways parents can ease the anxiety for children.

1. Arrange a few play dates with classmates in advance, or plan a few weekend excursions and mark them on your calendar where your child can see. That way, your child has something to look forward to during the school year and the transition to September won’t seem so daunting.
2. Arrange a visit to school before hand. Whether your child is new to school or just new to the grade, arranging to visit right before school starts and say hi to their teacher may help their fear of the unknown.
3. Plan to spend a little more time at home the first week of school. Be there when they leave for school and when they return and spend a few minutes talking with them about their day. Giving your child the extra attention they need to converse about the good, and the bad, enhances your connection with them and helps them to ease their fears.

The Children's Workshop also recommends that you plan a few excursions with your child for the fall, that way they have something to look forward to in the new season.