By Cherie Sexton, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Nationwide Children’s – Toledo Oregon City Schools Primary Care Center
As summer winds down, the transition back to school can bring both excitement and anxiety for children and parents. While shopping for school supplies and finalizing class schedules often top the to-do list, one of the most important ways to prepare for a successful school year is by reestablishing healthy daily routines.
Consistent routines help children feel secure, reduce stress and support better academic performance, behavior and overall well-being. A few simple adjustments before the first day of school can make the transition much smoother for the entire family.
Build a Successful Morning Routine
For many families, getting everyone ready and out the door on time seems like an impossible task. The morning checklist can seem endless between choosing clothes, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, packing backpacks and finding shoes.
The good news is that, with a little planning, your mornings can become much smoother. Creating a consistent routine not only helps the entire family stay on schedule but also encourages children to become more independent. One of the easiest ways to reduce morning stress is to prepare as much as possible the night before. Some strategies include:
- Laying out clothes for the next day.
- Packing backpacks and homework.
- Placing shoes, coats, and other essentials by the door.
- Preparing lunches or snacks ahead of time.
- Create a simple morning checklist for children to follow independently.
A little preparation each evening can lead to more calm, organized mornings for everyone.
Prioritize healthy sleep habits
A good night’s sleep is important for everyone in the family and helps us all perform better, whether at school or work. Most kids need 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night, while most teens and adults need 7 to 8 hours. Some tips to help your nighttime routine this school year are:
- Begin shifting bedtimes and wake-up times about two weeks before school starts.
- Follow a consistent bedtime routine each night.
- Avoid after-school naps that can interfere with nighttime sleep.
- Limit electronics and screen use before bedtime.
Sleep plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, grow and stay healthy.
Create a Homework Routine That Works
Just like bedtime or morning routines, it is helpful to create a predictable homework routine. Consistency is especially important before and after school breaks when schedules tend to shift.
To help set your child up for success:
- Choose a consistent time and quiet space for homework each day.
- Encourage your child to ask for help when they need it or take a short break if they become frustrated.
- Encourage your child to use effective problem-solving skills when tackling challenging tasks.
If your child resists doing homework, try scheduling it before a favorite activity, such as playing outside, watching TV, or using electronics. Completing homework first can become a natural part of the daily routine and help motivate your child to stay on task.
Set Healthy Screen Time Boundaries
Summer often brings more free time, making it easy for screen use to become a larger part of a child’s daily routine. As families prepare for the start of school, it’s a great time to gradually reset healthy screen-time habits. Set clear expectations by creating screen-free times and spaces, such as during meals, homework time, and before bed. Parents can reinforce these habits by modeling healthy technology use and putting their own devices away during family time. Consistent boundaries help children adjust more easily and encourage healthier routines for everyone.
With patience and practice, strong routines can help children feel confident, independent, and ready for the school year ahead. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions about preparing for the upcoming school year.
Oregon City Schools Primary Care Center is open and available to all children in the community. To schedule an appointment, call (419) 696-5533. Learn more at NationwideChildrens.org/OCS-Primary-Care.
Nationwide Children’s – Toledo Oregon City Schools Primary Care Center
5665 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH 43616
