Make the switch from summer-time to school-time.

While many parents are wondering where the summer break went, others are thanking their lucky starts that it’s term time again. For parents, that start of a new school year brings new possibilities and the same old routines. While you may have your head wrapped around early starts again, your child may not. If your kid is struggling to get back into the new school routine, use these tips.

Restart Routines
Kids need time to adjust, so practice making bedtime earlier each night. Aim to serve meals at the same time each day so that your child quickly becomes accustomed to the schedule. Don’t let him or her sleep in too much on weekends either as this could undo all of your hard work putting a routine together.

Develop a Game Plan Together
Discuss goals for the upcoming year, triumphs from the year before, and some skills that he or she would like to improve. Goals may be:

  • Making three new friends or sitting at a different lunch table every week
  • Becoming captain of the chess team or a spelling bee finalist
  • Making the honor roll

Keep Passions in Play
If you child became a diving champ at the local pool over summer, keep it going. Integrate new hobbies into the school year by finding after-school clubs or programs that will let him or her continue to do the cool new things they tried this summer.

Set up a Homework Area
Create a quiet, well-lit space for study. Make it personal and fun, but free from distractions such as cooking, the front door, and the TV.

Sharpen Skills
Add more factual brain-bending activities into the everyday mix. Sudoku games, crossword puzzles, word searches, and trivia all encourage your child to sit still, focus, and complete a task from start to finish.

At camp, we understand the importance of getting prepared for the back to school season. If you want to get your children involved with a great camp that is ideal for them, contact Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. We have many programs that encourage outdoor activities, personal development, and fun!