Back to school tips from Maggie and the Moms’ experts
It’s hard to believe, but our kids will be going back to school this month. Summer always goes by too quickly (if you ask them), and adjusting to the new schedule takes time. To help you and your children navigate the transition as smoothly as possible, some Maggie and the Moms’ panelists use their areas of expertise to offer tips.
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Jennifer Boyd, physician assistant and founder of House Calls for Kids, stresses the importance of routines, organization and healthy habits.
Set Expectations
Talk to your kiddos about what to expect on day one. Who will be in their class? What is their teacher’s name? What is the schedule for the first day? Will there be a snack or lunch? Recess? Talk about the fun stuff!
Reinstitute a Schedule and Routine at home
This includes a morning and bedtime routine—waking up earlier and going to bed earlier. Consistent routines help children feel secure and prepared.
Create an evening To-Do List like this one to reduce morning stress:
- Prepare lunch
- Pack backpack, hand sanitizer and water bottle
- Lay out outfits
- Set the alarm clock
- Talk about what is for breakfast
Schedule in Family Time
Make sure children know when they will have family time with you. Set aside time in the evenings so your children feel supported. Sitting down to dinner together allows children to share about their day.
Remind them that you Love them and that you are in this Together
Lots of love, hugs and listening are what our kiddos need most!
Additional tips from Boyd for a healthy back-to-school season:
- Prioritize nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining energy levels and concentration.
- Focus on sleep: Proper sleep is essential for children’s growth and cognitive function. Create a calming pre-bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. Encourage winding down without electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Promote Physical Activity: Regular exercise is vital for physical and mental health. Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, whether that’s playing outside, riding bikes, or participating in sports. Incorporate movement into family activities, such as hiking, biking or playing sports together.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Reinforce the importance of hygiene to prevent illness. Teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Show them how to use a tissue or their elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. Remind them not to share personal items like water bottles, hats or utensils.
Desiree Panlilio, teen life coach and founder of Encouraging Teens, prescribes a good dose of “retail therapy” before school starts.
Trying to get your teen motivated and excited about the upcoming school year? One effective approach is to take them shopping. Every teen enjoys a good shopping trip; that back-to-school outfit has to be perfect! However, including a selection of items for their study area can make the transition back to school more engaging. Creating a space for studying and doing homework is a critical process that combines comfort, productivity and compromise.
Designate a Specific Study Space
Purchasing a desk may be part of the shopping excursion. A desk placed in the teen’s bedroom is the most logical choice, provided it’s kept clear of clutter and dedicated solely to homework. A dedicated desk helps maintain focus and efficiency.
Ensure Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial to prevent eye strain and maintain alertness. Use a combination of a desk lamp for focused light and a larger lamp or overhead light to illuminate the entire room. Buying a few new lamps for their space can be a fun part of the process.
Consider Noise-Canceling Earbuds
This can be useful for allowing the teen to listen to music without disturbing others.
Ensure all necessary Supplies are Easily Accessible within the Study Area
This includes pens, paper and chargers. Having them handy avoids interruptions. A wall or desk calendar can help track assignments and deadlines, fostering time management and motivation. Have them help pick out all of their own office supplies and set up their area. This provides motivation and creativity and builds excitement for the upcoming school year.
Creating a designated study space helps teens associate that area with productivity and academic focus. It’s an opportunity to set and work towards academic goals. Collaborating on and shopping to create this space can be a bonding activity, offering parents and teens a chance to strengthen their relationship.
Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women’s Meditation Network, including popular podcasts for women and children, recommends beginning to get in the right mindset a few weeks prior to the start of school.
Practice these “in-the-moment” stress relievers with your kids so they can use these tools as needed when stressful moments occur.
Deep Belly Breaths
Inhale deeply, with your hands on your belly, feeling your belly expand like a balloon as you breathe in. When it’s full, release the “balloon” slowly, exhaling all the breath out. Repeat 2-3 times or more as needed.
Observe Nature
Look for trees, grass, plants, clouds in the sky or even easy-to-spot animals like birds or squirrels. Simply observe them for a few moments as you remind yourself that we’re all part of the whole, and the world is much larger than this moment of stress. Everything will be okay.
Practice Affirmations
Affirmations are a great way to shift our mindset and mood.
Here are a few to have on hand:
I am safe. I am loved.
Everything is working out for my highest good.
I am strong. I am brave.
I am beautiful from the inside out.
I am supported and loved.
I am capable of doing hard things.
Watch “Maggie and the Moms” Mondays at 10 a.m. on Daytime, WFLA.
Originally published in the August 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.