How to Beat End-of-Summer Blues

Does returning back to school after a super fast summer have your child down? Being prepared to go back to school is more than just getting new supplies and fun clothes, your child should also feel mentally ready to succeed in the months ahead.

Here are some suggestions to help your child reset and feel more prepared to take on a new school year!

Get organized for the year

• Set new goals – Discuss the tasks your child wants to accomplish this school year. Straight A’s, honor roll, joining a club… The sky truly is the limit when it comes to reaching goals, and having a clear vision of what those goals are and a map of how to get there can make a big impact.
• Focus on the positives – Take some time together to reflect on the challenges your child has faced in previous school years, then brainstorm some key improvements that could be made to overcome those obstacles.
• Prioritize planning – As your child gets older, you may want to introduce them to the benefits of using a personal planner for school. These can be a lot of fun for kids to get creative with and decorate, while simultaneously making it so much easier to plan accordingly for big assignments, and larger events in the year.

Practice healthy habits

• Adjust bedtime – This may take some getting used to after staying up late or sleeping in during the summer months, but getting enough sleep is crucial for the proper functioning of the brain and body.
• Morning routine – Having a simple morning routine can make a world of a difference in your child’s day, while also increasing mood and productivity levels. Nailing down this routine will help your child have more control of their day, instead of the day’s hectic schedule controlling them.
• Staying up to date – This time of year is great to make sure your child is all caught up on vaccinations. An annual wellness checkup appointment also provides the opportunity to talk to your child’s pediatrician about any health concerns or questions that may have come up.
• Have an outlet – We live in a time where many frequent shifts outside of our comfort zone is the new normal, so mental health is especially important for everyone. Just like adults, children can undergo a great deal of stress and anxiety as well. Help your child find the best outlet for them such as playing sports, painting, or even taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Other steps to consider

Get to know the staff at your child’s school. Whether your family has decided to put your child back in in-person classes or join online classes from home, it’s a good idea to stay in communication with the school and build a partnership. As this school year will be a huge adjustment for many children across the country, keeping close contact with your child’s teachers can also help you understand how to better help them get acclimated to this new learning environment.

Additionally, staying in close communication with the school can help your family feel more at ease with this transition brought by COVID-19. If you have a clearer idea of the intentions your child’s school has for the months ahead, that can in turn help your child have a better understanding as well and feel more confident in their new day-to-day routine! 

Do you need to schedule an appointment for your child with a pediatrician? Click below!