August already!  Where did the summer go?  Of course all the back to school stuff has been in the stores, taunting us, for weeks now.  Soon the Halloween costumes will start coming out as well.  It’s as if time is in hyper-drive.  But, the kid’s “internal clock” has a way of knowing when it’s time to get back to a routine.  For many of us, back to school brings a sigh of relief knowing life will soon be more scheduled and the kids will have more structure.  But, what’s the best way to prepare your kiddos for the rigors of getting up “early” again and going all day?

Summer is a nice break and filled with fun and family memories. Many kids get used to staying up late, sleeping in, erratic mealtimes, and a general lack of mindful study for a solid 12 weeks.  Teachers are usually understanding and resign themselves to a lot of review and a slow ramp up the first few weeks of school.   These tips will help get your kids ready to hit the books and not be so shell-shocked when trying to adjust:

1.  At least 2 weeks before school, have the kids (especially teens) wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to bed 15 minutes earlier every couple days until they’re back to a respectable sleep schedule.  School-aged kids usually need anywhere from 9-11 hours a night.
2. Work on getting a good breakfast in the morning.  It is the most important meal of the day, after all, and super important to get in the habit of eating well in the morning before school (proteins!).
3. Start pushing the kids to be a little more academic. Have your kids count up the costs when buying school supplies or read the supply list and anything else (menus, billboards, etc) if they throw a fit when you suggest reading a book.  Have them help you write the grocery lists.

Making a little effort in these next couple of weeks will go a long way to help your kids get back into the school habits.  Here’s to another school year!

About
Michelle Pierson, MD

Hi! My name is Michelle Pierson and I am a wife, mom, and general pediatrician at the Billings Clinic. I am excited about this blog and the opportunity to reach out to parents in my hometown of Billings. Growing up here and raising my own kiddos in this community gives me some perspective on how we can take care of our children's health with the resources we have in the region. I get great joy from my family and job, and a good piece of chocolate cake! A good book and "cuddle time" with my kids on the couch rank up there pretty high too. View all posts by Michelle Pierson, MD