Supporting Transitions with Routines

By: Lauren Covone

Ready or not, the back-to-school season is upon us! You may be a parent who is desperately clinging onto the final days of summer and dreading the hustle and bustle of the school year. Or, you may find yourself belting out show tunes as you check off each item on your child’s school supply list. Maybe you are somewhere in the middle.

Regardless if your child is entering kindergarten or their senior year of high school, this transition is arguably one of the biggest for school-aged children. Transitions can invite mixed emotions for both parents and children. For some kids, the thought of meeting their teacher and a new classroom to explore can be exciting. A fun surprise. While others can feel overwhelmed as they ponder the unknown and “what ifs” of their new class schedule.

Although I worked just about every summer as a former teacher, feelings of anxiety seemed to creep in as soon as August 1st appeared on the calendar. Easing into the back-to-school routine helped dissipate my nerves. I enjoyed setting up my classroom, attending professional development sessions, and swapping summer adventures with my co-workers. A week of preparations was a preview of what was to come. My feelings of uncertainty quickly morphed to excitement and I couldn’t wait to welcome students back. Our brains thrive with predictability.

A consistent before and after school routine is a great way to support your child during this transition. Now is the perfect time to talk about what these new routines will look like. Consider including your child in the planning process. Offer choice and control over the order of events. This will provide your child with a sense of ownership of their new routine. For example, maybe they would prefer to brush their teeth before getting dressed or would like a snack and down time before starting homework. Clear expectations and a well established routine will help everyone feel regulated and make this upcoming school year a success!