Helping kids transition back to school
- col-kate-shumaker
- July 31, 2025
- 107
Summertime is flying by, and the first day of school will be here before we know it. It’s not unusual for schedules and routines to be a bit more flexible, lax or even chaotic during the summer. For the sanity of all family members, one of the best things you can do is start easing into the way you want things to be by the start of the school year.
Thanks to my colleague Erin Ruggiero from Medina County for sharing the tips below:
—Establish or reestablish a consistent bedtime. Have a calming bedtime routine with reading or soft music and turn off screens at least half an hour before bed.
—Revisit morning routines. After a break from school is a great time to make any changes to the morning routine that may not have been working before. Creating a visual checklist is a great way to prevent morning meltdowns. You also can be better prepared by making lunch and prepping outfits and book bags the night before.
—Reset homework habits. Make a quiet, distraction-free homework space for schoolwork. Make it a habit to review homework every evening. Set boundaries around screen time and make the rules known to everyone in the home.
—Have conversations to prepare. Whether your child is excited to go back to school or not, they may be nervous about the change in routine. Ask questions and have conversations around getting back into routine and let your children know you are there for them. Try to build excitement by mentioning things they have enjoyed in school or what they can look forward to.
Transitioning back to school after a break can be a challenge for both kids and parents, but with a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can get through it together. By focusing on routines, emotional support and open communication, you are setting your child up for a successful return to the classroom. Remember it’s OK if everything doesn’t go perfectly right away. Let us know if you use any of these tips to help your transition back to school go a little smoother for everyone.
For more information about upcoming programs in family and consumer sciences, join the Coshocton, Holmes, Wayne Family and Consumer Sciences newsletter at holmes.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/fcs-e-newsletter-food-family-finance. You also can follow the Holmes County OSU Extension Office on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes.
For more information email or call Kate Shumaker, extension educator of family and consumer sciences, at shumaker.68@osu.edu or 330-674-3015.