Share:

School is back in session, and a routine will help you and your child stay on track for a happy and healthy year. Along with helping them pack their backpack and choosing clothing the night before, there are additional child care steps you can take to make the back-to-school transition go smoothly. 

5 Child Care Tips for an Easier Back-to-School Routine

1. Get Up at the Same Time

Most pediatricians and educators agree that children need about eight to 10 hours of sleep every night. Figure out how much time it typically takes you and your child to get ready in the morning, and then subtract that from the time school starts. Don’t forget to factor in the commute. It also makes sense to add in five or 10 minutes for those unexpected traffic delays or breakfast mishaps.

2. Go to Bed at the Same Time

After you have established a bedtime for your child, stick to it. Set a regular pattern by inviting your child to choose their clothes for the next day, pack a backpack, take a bath, and brush teeth. Doing things in a particular order and then settling down with a book for some one-on-one time will give your child a sense of security and structure and help them wind down for sleep.

3. Organize Clothing

If your child takes a little too long each evening to choose clothes for the next day, organize their closet by day of the week. Label part of each shelf for one day of the week or use hanging separators. Then spend some time on the weekend helping them choose one outfit for each day. 

4. Plan Ahead for Breakfast & Lunch

Pack as much of your child’s lunch as possible the night before, so it’s easy to grab on the way out. If your child needs lunch money, make sure it’s in the backpack, along with any school forms that need to be signed. Plan for breakfast, too. If possible, give your child some choices for breakfast, and let them decide. You are less likely to hear complaints in the morning if your child played a part in planning the menu.

5. Make Time to Listen

With all the hustle and bustle of back-to-school time, it can be easy to forget to make time to ask your child about their day. Schedule some time to talk after school or when you get home from work. Ask specific questions about what they learned or if anything funny happened.

 

The early education teachers at Les Enfants Preschool in Palisades Park, NJ, provide enriching activities to help your child learn and grow in an interactive environment. To schedule a visit and find out more about the preschool’s programs, call (201) 592-6695. Visit their website to learn more about their child care philosophy.

tracking