The first day of school is here or almost here for most students in Minnesota. My kids started their first days today. It’s a day mixed with emotions for children and parents alike, whether it’s the start of elementary school or a transition to a new grade. A smooth start to the morning of the first day can continue into the rest of the day and it often begins the night before. Read on for tips and tricks to help create a smooth and reduced stress morning for the first day of school.
A good morning starts the night before.
Preparation is key to reducing stress for kids and parents alike. The night before, ensure that as much as possible is prepared for the first day. This includes:
Clothes–Lay out your child’s outfit the night before along with any accessories that they’ll need. Allow them to choose (within reason) what they want to wear. A mixed-matched outfit (think stripes and flowers), awesome. A swimsuit, maybe not so much.
Backpack–Pack as much as possible the night before including school supplies, snacks, a water bottle, and lunch. While a lunch box won’t go into their backpack the night before, getting it packed will save time in the morning.
Breakfast–Make a plan for a nutritious breakfast that your child enjoys so that you aren’t scrambling for something in the rush of the morning. This could be prepping options the night before or talking about a desired breakfast that will be made the morning of the first day.
2. Set an Early Bedtime
If your house is anything like mine, summer is a time for staying up late to create memories and sleeping in. For ideas about how to slowly shift bedtime back to a school bedtime, read our previous post about preparing for the return to school. With the night before the first day in mind, ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep by starting their bedtime routine early. This creates extra time for connection and possibly processing their thoughts about the first day. In addition, a well-rested child will wake up feeling more refreshed and ready for the day.
3. Create a Calm Wake-Up Routine
Help your child greet the day with a calm and positive attitude by mirroring calm yourself. You likely have a good idea of what is helpful for your child in the morning. Do they need some extra snuggles after their alarm goes off? Is it best to give them some space until they’ve eaten breakfast? Whatever works to set a calm routine is great and will hopefully continue to set a positive tone throughout their day.
4. Prepare Something Special
Kick off the start of a new school year with something special to celebrate the day. This could be a special breakfast or small accessory for them to wear. This could be a special handshake before getting onto the bus or a text message to remind them that you’re thinking of them. Doing something special can help soothe any last-minute anxiety.
5. Practice Positive Goodbyes
When it’s time to leave for school, keep goodbyes brief, but loving. Think of a special handshake, hug or kiss or a wave. Minnesota goodbyes or prolonged farewells can increase anxiety. Remind them that you’ll be there to hear all about their day when they get home from school.
6. Practice Flexibility and Patience
Even with the best preparation and planning, unexpected hiccups can happen. Be prepared to shift plans due to any last minute changes. Staying calm can help your child feel more at ease and able to face the change.
The first day of school is an important milestone filled with potential and excitement. By preparing ahead of time, staying positive, and practicing flexibility, you and your child(ren) can start the year on a positive note. A positive morning can make all the difference in setting the tone for the day to come.
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