Maybe you’re one of those parents who has cherished more “together” time with family during the Covid pandemic quarantine. Or maybe you’re one of those parents who has kept a calendar of when the kids would *hopefully* return to school and counted down the days since Day #1 of summer.
Probably for most of us, it’s a mixture of both. We’re anxious about our kids’ safety and health, but we also know it’s time to return to “normal” life as much as possible. No matter where you land, we want to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your family!
Below is a checklist you can use as a guide to prepare for the coming school year—which is sure to be like no other before it.
1. Establish a schedule before the first day of school.
Waking up early after weeks of sleeping in is no fun for anyone. Before school starts, start waking up your family and sending them to bed at the same time you will during the school year. This will save a ton of yawns that first week back.
2. Create a weekly check-in.
Choose a time during the weekend to huddle around a calendar with your family. Maybe it’s Sunday night after dinner—everyone shares their plans for the week and discusses any changes from the regular routine. Who has practice? Who has carpool duty? Who has a doctor’s appointment? Does everyone have enough masks to get through the week?
3. Create a rhythm of table conversation.
Try to eat dinner together as many times a week as possible. Establish a habit of asking each other, “What was the best part of your day?” and, “What was your least favorite part?”
4. Choose a designated space for daily supplies.
Where will the bookbags go? Shoes? Lunch boxes? Grab a few hooks and a couple of baskets and create a go-to spot for collecting items your kids will take with them every day. Add a bottle of sanitizing spray to the area to keep everyone as germ-free as possible. This will help you get out the door faster and eliminate the potential for frustration.
5. Set up a distraction-free homework area.
Determine what the rules about homework are. Will you require your student to begin their homework immediately? Give them an hour of downtime? Allow them to wait until after dinner? Make a plan for whatever works best for your family. Then, create an area free of TVs, gaming systems, clutter, etc.
6. Talk it out.
Starting a new school year can give a kid of any age anxiety—especially this year. Make your child’s favorite lunch or dinner before the first day of school and talk about the upcoming year. Encourage them. Let them ask questions—especially about what may be different in light of Covid. Remind them of their wins last year, and discuss your expectations for the new school year.
7. Reach out to your student’s teacher.
This is especially helpful for parents of younger students. Send in some supplies—tissues or markers or hand sanitizer—and attach a note that introduces you and your kid. Offer your help and support. Ask them what their favorite treat is, and then surprise them with it a few times during the year.
8. Start each day right.
The best way to start your kid’s day of school is with some daily encouragement. Send them off to school with words that fill their heart.
“I’ve already been praying for you this morning.”
“You look beautiful/handsome/sharp this morning!”
“I love starting my day with you!”
9. Create clear parameters.
Be clear and consistent with the rules about homework and bedtimes and the consequences for not following them. Define a reward system, whether it’s extra screen time or a later curfew.
10. Pray, pray, pray.
Gather your family (and other families, if you want!) and pray for the new school year. Reassure your child that you’ll continue to pray for them as the upcoming year progresses.
Bonus: Do you use the Parent Cue App? If so, you’ll need to update your child’s grade level when they start school. (The App doesn’t do it automatically since schools start back up at different times in different regions.) Simply go to the “Menu” in the top left corner. Select “Kids.” Then select “Edit” (in the top-right corner). You’ll then see an “Edit” option by each child you have entered in the App. Select “Edit” for a child. Change the grade level. Then click “Save.”
Topics: Create A Rhythm, Family Life, Featured, School Life
Holly Crawshaw
Contributor
Holly Crawshaw is a writer and editor who eats sour candy and laughs at her own jokes. A self-proclaimed cat-lady, Holly was on staff with North Point Ministries for eight years, working with volunteers, kids, and students. Holly currently serves as Lead Writer for Life Stage Strategies at Orange/The Rethink Group. Holly is raising three daughters, Lilah (the silly one), Esmae (the charming one), and Sailor (the sweet one) in her hometown of Cumming, GA.
