Getting Back into a School Routine: 3 Simple Tips for Elementary Parents
The start of the school year is just around the corner, and a smooth transition can set the tone for a successful year ahead. As exciting as the return to school can be, adjusting from relaxed summer days to structured school routines can be a challenge—especially for younger students. Here are three helpful ways parents can prepare their elementary-age children for a confident and calm return to the classroom:
1. Re-establish Bedtime and Wake-Up Routines
Sleep plays a vital role in a child’s ability to learn, focus, and regulate emotions. A couple of weeks before school begins, start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time to align with the upcoming school schedule. Making this change gradually—in 15-minute increments—can help their bodies adjust naturally without feeling rushed.
2. Practice a Calm and Consistent Morning Routine
Mornings can set the emotional tone for the entire day. Begin rehearsing school-day rhythms now by encouraging your child to wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, prayer & devotion time, and complete morning responsibilities in a calm and timely way. This helps reduce stress on those first few days back and builds confidence and independence in your child.
3. Ease Back into Learning
Summer is a great time for rest, but it’s also important to gently re-engage your child’s mind. Set aside a little time each day for reading, journaling, or simple math games. These activities can be fun and informal—read aloud together, visit the library, or play counting games at the grocery store. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.
By taking small, intentional steps now, you can help your child begin the school year feeling prepared, settled, and excited to learn.
