Help the kids transition into the new school year
September 1, 2023
It’s almost over. That glorious six weeks, longed for or dreaded, is all but at an end. This time next week, we’ll be up and out, activities will recommence and we’ll be racing full pelt from pillar to post. How can we transition seamlessly from the laissez faire school holidays to the merry-go-round of the new school year (without crazy meltdowns from either generation!)?
The Cwtchie team have six children between them. Here are some of our top tips for getting back to school gently.
Reestablish sleep patterns
Very few households stick to a stringent bedtime routine in the holidays. Why not let them enjoy the longer evenings at the beach and garden or gaming with friends when there’s no deadline for getting up?
In the holidays it’s easy to avoid sleep deficit with lazy mornings or daytime naps. Specialists at the John Hopkins Hospital are clear that a lack of sleep adversely affects the behaviour of both children and adults, citing that even older teens need 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
To avoid the inevitable tantrums or mood swings caused by sleep deprivation, now is an excellent time to start gradually reestablishing an earlier bedtime. For advice an how much sleep our children need, visit
https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids
Regulate their eating patterns
Like sleeping patterns, we often take a more casual approach to mealtimes during the holidays and snacking becomes a national pastime . When they return to the classroom, eating will be restricted to break times with most schools only allowing water during lessons for practical and cleanliness reasons. Reestablishing regular mealtimes with a small snack mid morning this week can help manage expectations and eating patterns. Alternatively, bringing a snack at school pick up time can help avoid low-sugar meltdowns in the afternoon.
For some great snack ideas, we recommend:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/afterschool-snacks.html
Reconnect with their friends
According to QED, friendships at school directly impact a child’s academic success. Those with successful friendships achieve consistently higher results as well as feeling enthusiastic about school each day. If this summer has been mostly family-time, why not arrange a meet up with classmates over the next few days? To read the full article, click the link for the bigger picture:
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/56979/what-the-research-says-about-the-academic-power-of-friendship
Plan some adventures
No matter their age, our children’s primary attachment is family and many suffer with separation anxieties after a long summer together. To alleviate any worries about ‘us time’ ( for us and them!) why not plan some mini-adventures for the next few weeks?
For a list of great, cheap and different ideas, try:
Get ready for the inevitable
The first week back is exhausting for students and parents. The struggle back into routine and meals timed around the incessant afterschool activities may be a shock to systems accustomed to a laid back few months. Be kind to yourselves. Take time to readjust to the punishing pace and rest in the evening. For total chill out bliss, we recommend Cwtchie hoodie- blankets. Cloud soft, these enveloping wearable hugs are perfect for afterschool walks, relaxing on the sofa or snuggling up. And when life inevitably gets hectic, they’re great for staying cosy after swimming, ballet or football. For the full range, delivered free to anywhere in the UK, visit:
Our uniforms are pressed and ready. Pencil cases are stuffed and stacked in new backpacks. Team Cwtchie wish you all an excellent new school year.
