Each week we will be sharing a tip from our school psychologist, Mrs. Rollins.

This week we are talking about – Easing back into School

I have talked about sleep schedules and routines before to help students come back to school. These are still important, but also having some flexibility can also be helpful. If you have a hard-core sleep schedule or homework routine after school, make sure you ease them back in.

Here are a few ideas on being flexible:

-While the summer late light is out, still have them go to bed early enough to get up in time for school, but let them stay up a little later to have some extra leisure time then gradually move the mark to the regular time.

-Try not to schedule doctor or dentist appointments right after school the first two or three weeks so kids can have time to relax and process all the new information after school.

-Keep a few summer fun activities going the first few weeks of school. If you keep going swimming, to a splash pad or having a family game night a little longer then going to school isn’t equated with the end of fun.

-Allow a little more downtime with TV or other screen time the first few weeks than you normally would during the school year. Then gradually reduce that time to a more reasonable level.

Being flexible and seeing the needs of your kids as they return to school will help reduce acting out, tantrums, anxiety and school refusal. I hope these ideas help with the transition back to school and school routines.

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