What does the aroma of freshly sharpened pencils starting to overpower the fading scent of sunscreen mean?
It’s back to school time, folks!
Whether you're a parent dreading the return of packed lunches and busy mornings or a college student weighing up if it's socially acceptable to wear PJs to an early morning lecture (the answer is to find PJs that look like joggers and a sweater so no one knows), we've got you covered.
Here are a handful of our favorite back-to-school routine hacks to help you all be productive, successful, healthy, and happy throughout the academic year.
Start the Transition Early
Helping kids transition back to a school routine shouldn't start on the first day of the academic year. Instead, ease them into a routine at least a week, ideally two, before they're due to return. Think of it as like the clocks changing for Daylight Saving Time but without having to check if you're an hour in front or behind.
This is easier the younger your children are, as they’re more likely to have stuck to their usual routine of waking up early all through the summer. As you probably know only too well!
If you’re a college student, give yourself something to get up early for. Head out for a run or arrange to meet a friend for coffee. Anything that gets you up, moving, and prepped for the return of early starts works.
Set Up Your Morning Routine For Success
A little organization goes a long way in avoiding morning chaos when you’re going to work and the kids are going to school.
The best way to master your mornings? Do as much as you can the night before.
Lay out clothes.
Pack lunches.
Organize backpacks.
Put bowls and cereal on the table.
Get the kids involved in all this. They'll love helping and taking responsibility and quietly build good habits that'll endure for years.
If the kids will be up before you or you still have lots to deal with during your mornings, write out tasks on a whiteboard so they can learn to follow their routine themselves. And there are only so many times you can remind them to brush their teeth or wash their face while retaining your sanity!
If you're going to college, you could do much worse than investing in a coffee maker. A can of energy drink and a chocolate bar isn’t appropriate fuel for someone with your ambitions!
Designate Homework and Study Zones
Set up a quiet, well-lit area where your kids can complete homework or study without distractions. And stock it with supplies so there's never any reason – or excuse! – that homework doesn't get done.
Pencils and paper, a calculator, and even a budget-friendly pair of noise-canceling headphones if your house is busy and noisy. Consider investing in mini storage organizers or drawer organizers, too.
College tip: Try not to study where you sleep or party unless you have somewhere you can designate for study and nothing else. Instead, identify the most appropriate times to use the library or when you can work distraction-free in a café or another communal area.
Create a Consistent After-School Routine
Little ones thrive on routine. Ensure they come from school with a time for homework, a time for chores, mealtime, and a time for relaxation and hobbies. Structure this as best you can, and make adjustments if your kids will use after-school clubs or spend time at relatives’ or friends’ houses some days.
The best way to create balance as a college student? Choose your favorite calendar app and ensure you have time for studies, sports, any job you pick up, and, crucially, fun. Pro tip: Block out the time you should be sleeping first!
Give Everyone a Break
If you’re a parent, that means you, too!
The academic year can't be all about studying, and learning is supposed to be fun. So allow everyone to recharge their batteries. Game nights, walks, and impulsive trips to the theater instead of the usual routine can help you get off the hamster wheel.
There'll be plenty of opportunities to do non-study stuff if you're at college. Just remember that not every social activity has to be a party or getting wasted!
Fuel Your Routine the Right Way
Establishing one routine often means we neglect others.
Not this year!
Evaluate your kids' sleep routine, learn new tips on hiding nutritious goodness in their meals if they squirm at the sight of veggies, and ensure plenty of opportunities to stay active - without hyping them up before bedtime!
And we won't tell those of you going to college not to enjoy the odd late-night pizza or takeaway. Just remember there are other food groups, too!
Talk!
Conversations about school should be more than “what did you learn today?”
Ask your kids how school is going, how their friends are, and if there’s anything you can help them with.
Social media means it's easier than it once was to stay in touch with family members and friends back home when you're at college, but remember to throw in the occasional call and FaceTime around the likes, reposts, and DMs.
Accept Things Will Go Wrong
The kids will get sick, some homework will slip through the cracks, and your work schedule might change.
These things will always happen, so don’t worry about them. Just have a backup plan for when they do. Every other parent at the school gates is facing the same challenges as you, and you’ll find someone willing to be your mutual backup partner easier than you might think!
Likewise, if you’re at college, you might be thrown curveballs. Your professor will change an assignment deadline, and your roommates are almost 100% guaranteed to have a boisterous party the day before an important lecture. Have backup plans and be ready to change course if needed – your job or college friends will understand if you need flexibility.
Celebrate Wins
One of the easiest ways to forget how much of a grind the school year can sometimes become is to celebrate achievements, no matter how small. And we all know that sometimes a “well done” or “I’m really proud of you” can go a long way to turning a child’s frown upside down. A little praise goes a long way.
And the same rings true if you're at college. If you get an A on something you were struggling with, take some time to enjoy the achievement. Taking time to recognize and enjoy when you've had a win goes a long way to maintaining your motivation to work towards the next one.
Heading Back to School With Confidence
Establishing – or re-establishing – a back to school routine for you and your kids takes effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
Plan ahead, stay organized, and give yourselves a break. You’ll be well on the way to a successful and relatively stress-free school year.
