Back-to-school routines should start before first day, expert says
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As summer vacation winds down, experts say families should begin transitioning children back to a school-year schedule before classes resume.
With the start of the school year approaching, Dr. Paul Kesselman, director of Kesselman Clinical Associates, said parents can help ease the adjustment by reintroducing daily routines ahead of the first day of school.
"You can practice getting up and spending the time, you know, amount of time it's going to take to shower, and getting breakfast ready, and getting your book bag ready," Kesselman said. "I know it sounds funny to do that when it's not school, but doing it a few days before school will help an anxious child really be more comfortable."
Kesselman said families can also gradually move children's bedtimes earlier so they begin going to sleep and waking up at times that more closely match their school schedule.
In addition to adjusting sleep habits, Kesselman advised families not to wait until the night before school starts to return from summer vacations, particularly if schools are beginning later than usual.
"If possible, families coming home with a few days to spare before the start of school is really important," he said. "I think if you come home with a kid on a Sunday that gets those Sunday night scaries, and they're going to be starting school on Monday, that's going to be a really tough transition."
Kesselman also said summer assignments, including reading and math work assigned during break, should not be left until the last minute. Preparing schedules and completing assignments in advance can help make the transition back to school easier for students.
