Getting Back to School - Aug 28, 2014

It's almost that time again: getting the kids ready to go back to school. 

This post is aimed at helping you whether you're sending your neurotypical or atypical child to school for the first time, or whether they are older. There are tips and tricks that will make the transition from summer to school that much easier.

1. Alter their bedtime and wake time (if you changed it)
For some parents they have flexibility in the summer that includes shifting bedtime later, and/or waking up later in the morning. While this works while school is out, when children go back to school, they need to go to sleep early and wake up early so they're well rested and able to function the whole day. Ideally, if you shifted the time or have to adapt to the time you need to leave before school starts, you should start preparing your child at least 1 or 2 weeks in advance. It is important that their body adjusts to this cycle, as it will mostly continue for the next 10 months.

2. Prepare your child for what is to come
If your child is going to school for the first time, talking to them about what to expect, how their day will be, maybe touring them around their school and providing them with a few opportunities to play at their schools playground during the summer is a great way to prepare them for the months to come. Familiarity will help them adjust quickly and easily. Of course if your child is atypical, you may need to spend more time preparing them and aiding them with visuals to support their understanding.

3. Meals at school
Ensure you get prepared to send them with a lunch and snacks during the school year. Perhaps this is as simple as packing some fresh fruit or vegetables, a treat, and a sandwich, or perhaps you'd like to do something more elaborate. Another quick idea is to spend time on the weekend making a big batch of something (chilli, stew...) and freezing small portions that can easily be placed in your child's lunch bag the morning of, and kept cold until they can be reheated for lunch. This of course depends on whether a microwave is available.

4. Visiting the school
If at all possible, your child will appreciate an opportunity to visit the school they will be attending. They may have the opportunity to meet their teacher, visit and play in their classroom, walk around the school, and play in the playground. By providing these opportunities your child will be less fearful of the unknowns, because they will know to an extent what to expect.

Lastly, just as a general note: while I have posted 4 solid tips to help your child, you know your child best. Maybe your child adapts quickly, maybe they take longer to adapt. Maybe your child will require a social story or visuals, and some practice at acquiring new routines for some time before school even starts. Use your best judgement :)