Back to School – A few tips to get back into the school year

That time is approaching again… September doesn’t only bring the end of summer but also brings the end of the kids holidays. Relief for many parents after over what can feel like a very long summer indeed but it does also bring a lot of stress for many families this time of year, getting back into the swing of things can be very difficult and a stressful time for any family no matter how large or small. so to give a helping hand we have compiled a few invaluable back-to-school tips to take at least some of the pain out of this traumatic annual transition.

Set goals

Before term starts to go over with your child how they have been performing academically over the last term and ask them to recall what they have learnt last time term. not only is this a good way to find out how much information they have retained from the previous school year but it also begins to get them back into the right mindset for going back to learning.

Chit Chat

Suggest meeting up with friends before going back into the classroom. A lot can happen over the summer with holidays and other events that will lead to a lot of chatting and catching up which could disrupt learning in the classroom. If you have the time, Try and get your children and their friends together for a catchup a few days before going back to school, this will hopefully minimise the disruption in the classroom.

Responsibility

Increasing responsibility for growing children is key, especially through secondary school where homework and exams can become overwhelming so a well planned out schedule is key to staying on track. Agree an after-school weekday timetable. Structure is key and it is important that they get into a routine early on.

Embrace Hobbies

Look a what is on offer for your child and discuss what they might like to do – whether it is dance, sport, coding or learning to play an instrument.  It can be exciting to engagement with your child over something they are truly passionate about. You may be surprised and like it too!

Bring some excitement to the lunchbox!

Fruit over Chocolate

We know you’re bored of hearing it now, ‘eat your 5 a day’, but it’s so true! Especially with children, a well-balanced diet with plenty of long-life energy releasing fruit and vegetables can benefit them more than you think in the classroom.

Cut the sugar with water!

A standard ‘one-shot’ lunch box sweet drink gives a 6-year-old the equivalent of five sugar cubes. Cut right down on the added sugar by including water in their lunch box – throw some frozen lemon or lime slices into the bottle to give it a fruity twist by lunchtime.

Try cutting out the fatty crisps

It’s not a mystery that fatty crisps can cause increased obesity in younger children and other fatty foods can lead to serious health risks. Cut them out completely and find alternatives, Try a personalised fruit yoghurt combo. Swirl blitzed-up raspberries or frozen blueberries into plain yoghurt for a tasty portion of dairy without the added sugar of shop-bought kids’ brands.

Parent tips

Here are a few tips for yourself as a parent, with all the madness that comes with going back to school, it is always beneficial to be prepared.

Morning Madness

Try and wake up before your kids, give yourself 15 minutes or more to get a head start on the day.

Be prepared

Having to choose your own outfit or make your own packed lunch adds precious time in the morning and children will mimic your last minute behaviours.

Schedule/Routine

Having a schedule or a routine is necessary to keep law and order in the household. Try and set a specific time for your child to wake up and leave the house by.

From all of us here at YourMoneySaving, we wish you the best of luck for the start of the new school year!