Every year, summertime has a special way of changing the rhythm for the entire household. Bedtimes come a little later, mornings slow down a bit, and there’s more time for movie nights! Then suddenly, school is right around the corner. When you have a preschooler, getting back into that routine isn’t an overnight experience. However, there are a few small changes families can make for the back-to-school transition to feel much easier for everyone.
In our own household, we started arranging bedtime earlier each week, practicing getting ourselves ready for the next day, and encouraging more responsibility with our preschooler. When given the decision to help pick an outfit for the next day, or the story before bed it helps her feel involved rather than being told what to do and having choices made for them. Added to a consistent morning schedule or routine, a sense of predictability can provide a consistency that helps young children who’re still learning navigate new environments.
Even so, after a full day of learning, children may need time to simply be children. Instead of continuing to fill afternoons with activities, consider leaving snack time or quiet time together to end the busy day together. While movement is important and encouraged throughout a Celebree School of Stafford day, it’s just as important to have decompressing time. It’s the same with emotions; a tired or clingy child during the first few days may simply be adjusting. There isn’t a perfect school-year routine, but every family ends up finding out what works for them, as what matters most is creating a rhythm that gives your child enough structure to feel secure while leaving room for healthy development.
