School Reentry Strategy for Fathers
As the summer vacation comes to an end and the new school year approaches, families are faced with the challenge of transitioning back into a structured routine. To ensure a smooth and stress-free transition, authors suggest implementing a few effective strategies.
Talk Openly with Children
One of the key approaches is to have open conversations with children about their feelings regarding returning to school. Acknowledging worries or excitement, and highlighting positive aspects such as making friends or fun activities can help alleviate any anxieties.
Revisit the School Environment
Visiting the school environment before school starts can help familiarise children with the setting and reduce anxiety. Open houses or casual visits can provide a sense of comfort and prepare children for what to expect.
Establish Organised Home Systems
Creating designated spots for backpacks and school supplies at home can help children practice independent routines and feel prepared for the upcoming school year.
Coordinate Social Connections
Arranging playdates or identifying classmates they'll see can foster a sense of belonging and make the transition easier.
Offer Children Small Choices
Providing children with small choices, such as outfit, snack options, or music on the way to school, can give them a sense of control during a time of many changes.
Prepare Calming After-School Routines
Having after-school routines that allow children to decompress can help them adjust to the new routine. Quiet snacks, unstructured play, outdoor activity, or downtime before homework begins can make a significant difference.
Normalize Big Feelings
It is important to normalise big feelings and reassure both children and parents that adjustment takes time and it is okay to experience nervousness or sadness.
Involve Children in Preparation
Involving children in packing backpacks and laying out clothes the night before can create predictable rituals that help reduce uncertainty.
Gradual Transition
The authors suggest transitioning from a feral, let-it-all-hang-out summer sleep/wake schedule to a structured school-year sleep/wake schedule gradually. They take a moderate approach, having their kids start to push their bedtimes back before school, but not going all the way to the school-year bedtime until school actually begins.
Morning Checklist
A morning checklist, such as eating breakfast, brushing teeth, homework folder signed and in backpack, snack in backpack, and water bottle, can help ensure children have everything they need for school.
Family Meeting
Having a family meeting to sync up with the kids and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding schedules and expectations can also be beneficial.
Back-to-School Ritual
Establishing a back-to-school ritual can help alleviate any anxieties children may have about the upcoming school year. The authors suggest creating a ritual that works for each individual family, such as discussing any concerns and goals for the year, and saying a father's blessing (a prayer) over them.
Planning Ahead
Planning and gradual, proactive efforts can help create a smoother transition for everyone in the family. Discussing drop-off and pick-up schedules, back-to-school forms, school supplies and clothes shopping, new bedtimes, extracurricular activities, calendar sync-up, homework routines, and any concerns about the upcoming school year in a back-to-school marriage meeting two weeks before school starts can make a significant difference.
Overall, blending emotional support, practical preparation, and opportunities for social connection fosters confidence and resilience in children transitioning from summer to school.
- Discussing anxieties or feelings with family members about the upcoming school year can provide emotional support.
- Developing skills like conflict resolution and empathy through family interactions can improve family dynamics.
- Incorporating health and fitness routines for the family can contribute positively to their lifestyles and overall well-being.
- By planning and shopping for home-and-garden projects together, families can create lasting memories and strengthen their relationships.
- Encouraging open communication about school and home life can foster a deeper understanding and respect within relationships.
- Adopting a consistent and organized lifestyle by following a morning checklist and establishing rituals can help in coping with the challenges of a new school year.
