As part of the WNY community, I think it’s safe to say that we all do our best to enjoy our short summer season to the fullest. We fill each day that we can with family, friends, and fun in the sun. Longer days, later nights, a looser schedule, and…if you’re like my household, possibly some over-indulgences when it comes to guilty pleasures. (Fine, maybe I’ve enjoyed a s’more, or 10, on our summer vacation!) Another common trend over the summer in our youth, is increased screen-time: video games, computers, phones, tablets, TV’s, etc. Lax boundaries all the way around can make it difficult to transition to a tighter schedule necessary for the Fall.
So, how can we prepare our kiddos for a successful ‘24-25 school year, and how can we, as caregivers, implement helpful strategies in a way that is effective and supportive?
Before we get into some useful tips, it might be beneficial to start with a brief assessment. Families look different today and what’s helpful for one may not work as well for another. (Questions to ask: Who makes up my household? Am I in need of major changes, or just a tweak here and there? Do I have support implementing changes? How much time do I have to dedicate to changes that need to be made? How can I take care of myself in the process?)
Be realistic – it’s never helpful to set goals that are unattainable.
Here are a few suggestions to get Back-to-School-Ready:
- Check-In with each other: Get the dialog flowing! It’s no secret that there are many feelings bouncing around when it comes to school. Some kids may be excited while others may be worried. The top three complaints from youth experiencing anxiety are: stomach aches, headaches, and complaints of feeling tired. Watch for these signs and try to normalize talking about feelings daily.
- Sleep: This is a tough one. We know how important adequate sleep is for developing minds, yet it’s an area that continues to be problematic. To adjust to an earlier sleep schedule, move bedtime back gradually. This doesn’t need to happen overnight. You can also try some meditation techniques, calming music, or other mindfulness strategies to calm down before bed. Fresh air and exercise during the day can also help achieve a restful sleep – try implementing a family walk after dinner! Avoid screentime before bed – with teens, challenge them to try another form or relaxation and let the proof speak for itself.
- Get Organized: Make lists (check them twice), make piles, set goals, prioritize, plan ahead, use calendars (virtual or paper), set reminders! I rarely do anything without a list or a reminder because I WILL FORGET.
- Reduce Screen-time: This one probably doesn’t need an explanation but can be the hardest one to enforce. Parental controls and time limits on devices may be helpful here. Encourage other activities and try to do them as a family if your time allows. (Feel free to ask the Buffalo H.O.P.E. team for ideas)
Reigning in the thrills of summer and preparing for the school year is tough; it’s important that as caregivers, we’re modeling the behaviors we want to see in our young ones. Hopefully these tips help with a smooth transition into the next season. If you’re looking for stress management tips, grounding activities, or education on how stress affects students, look at the resources on the Office of Mental Health (OMH) website , or contact our Buffalo H.O.P.E. COMHPS team for further information.
Kate Hill
Team Leader, Buffalo H.O.P.E. COMHPS
