Written by Brooke Strickland for Nannies Plus
Kids are heading back to school soon and summertime activities are winding down.
The switch from a relaxed summer schedule to a more structured and demanding school year routine can take some adjusting, and can be challenging for children and their parents, alike. Here are some tips on how to smooth the transition and get the kids back into the swing of the school schedule.
1. Start as soon as possible.
If you let the kids stay up late during the summer or they had no real set schedule or bedtime routine, it’s time to start thinking about changing things soon. A couple of weeks before school officially starts, slowly start shifting back to earlier bedtimes. Implement a wind down period: an hour or so before the desired bedtime, ask the children to put screens away and do a quiet activity like reading or coloring so that their brains can start winding down. Once you begin this new routine, stick with it as best as you can.
2. Talk through emotions.
Summer is such fun for many kids and young adults. This is often a time of exciting family vacations, exploration outside, playdates, and other adventures that don’t happen throughout the year. There may be a period of grief as this time of year comes to an end. If the children are experiencing those feelings, talk them through it. Acknowledge that the end of summer can feel disappointing, but that there are also other great things to look forward to as school starts, and point out what those are–for example, seeing old friends and meeting new friends, or getting re-involved in a favorite extracurricular.
Starting school can also bring anxiety for some children and young adults. They might be nervous about starting a new school, meeting their teachers, or being challenged by new classes and learning materials. Let them process those feelings with you out loud. Try to listen careful and respond with empathy and compassion, without minimizing what they’re feeling. Talk about coping skills for these emotions and plan ways to mitigate the anxiety. Above all, show your support and let them know you’re there for them no matter what.
3. Hire a nanny or family assistant.
We know how busy life gets! Sometimes, you just need to ask for a little extra help. Hiring a professional nanny or family assistant to lend an extra hand can help lighten the load. They can take the children to and from school or after-school activities and help manage the daily routine. They can supervise homework and maybe even provide homework help. They can even help with household duties. Not to mention, your nanny or family assistant can become a wonderful, integrated part of your family – a person that you and your children trust, respect, and love.
Finding the right nanny or family assistant to join your family team in San Francisco, the East Bay, Marin, or Sonoma County, requires a little bit of time. So, start your search right away, so they have some time to get to know your children before the hectic days of autumn begin.
If you’ve never hired a nanny or a family assistant, or it’s been a while since you’ve had one in your home, we understand that it can feel overwhelming to try to find the right match. Working with Nannies Plus can help ease that worry. Our unique, personalized approach helps us get to know you and your family’s specific needs, so we can find the person that will seamlessly fit your family and home environment. Contact our team at Nannies Plus to start the hiring process today!
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