Although this winter break did not include many of the fun trips and outings, as usual, it was still a much-needed break for kids. Heading back to school this year has even greater meaning as many children return to in-person school full-time for the first time in nearly a year.
Whether it’s in-person, online, or hybrid, kids could use a little help getting ready to go back to school. Here are a few ways you can help.
Hygiene Kit
Winter is notoriously cold and flu season, and this year it’s compounded by COVID-19. Keeping kids safe at school is very important for their health and the health of your family and community. One key way to help kids get ready to go back to school is to help them prepare a hygiene kit. Make sure your child has access to hand sanitizer, extra masks, tissues, and anything else they need to stay clean at school. Review the importance of hygiene with your child as well as the appropriate times for handwashing.
Adjust Bedtime
As the return to school nears, slowly adjust your child’s routine and bedtime to align with the school day. It’s certainly important for kids to get a break and a chance to sleep more during their time off, but it will be very difficult for them to adjust back without structure. Instead of waiting until the last day to have kids go to sleep and wake up much earlier than they have all break, help ease your child back by moving up the bedtime and wake up time little by little.
Stay Active
Physical activity is always important for the mental and physical health of kids, but it is even more important as they anticipate going back to school. Keeping your child active will help combat some of the anticipation and nerves they may feel about school, and will also alleviate extra energy to help make the transition smoother.
Prepare for Online Learning
Many children will return to school in-person after winter break, but some will still be doing partial or fully online learning. As a parent, it can be challenging to help your child with online learning, but here are some things you can do:
- Create a dedicated learning space with a desk or table and chair.
- Be strict with the time your child wakes up each day to ensure they stay on schedule.
- Understand how your child’s assignment portal works so you can help troubleshoot any issues. How do they view, complete, and turn in work?
- Stay in the loop about how your child is doing in school.
- Communicate with the teacher when necessary.
Going back to school after a break produces a range of emotions for kids, and those are heightened this year in light of COVID-19. Many kids will head back to school in-person for the first time in a long time, but some will still learn online. No matter how your child will attend school, it’s important to help them transition back after winter break using the tips above.
