The festive season has wrapped up and parents are preparing to go back to work. Some have already started and  getting their kids ready to go back to school next week. While your children maybe overly excited or even a little bit worried about new teachers, new subjects, and meeting their friends, the days before starting school again are always busy and stressful. Instead of rolling into school with no plan, ZiMoja has compiled five tips that will help to stay organised, create routines and support children to be their best at school.

1. Create a calendar 

 Using a calendar helps you and your kids to be better prepared for school. When they can visually see when school will start again,they plan better. A good idea is to hang the calendar in their room and let them mark off each day with a colourful pen until the new school year starts.

2. Start their bedtime routines early

Since the holidays started, the bedtime routine has obviously gone out the window and children will need some time to get back to the sleeping pattern that they had before the holidays started. To make things easy for back to school, parents can introduce the school sleep routine a week before school starts.

3. Back-to-school shopping

Pick a date to go school shopping with your children. This date should be set and organised in advance in order to have a relaxed shopping experience. Choosing their own school supplies, uniforms, stationery, backpacks, and lunch bags. Also, plan days for grooming and haircuts. This may also increase their excitement about going back to school and using all the new things. 

4: Limit Screentime

 Limit screen time before school starts. Choose a place in the house where everyone can charge their electronic devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cell phone to wake up in the mornings. This can be a routine use throughout the year and helps discipline.

5. Make the unknown environment more familiar?

If your children are starting a new school and are worried about adapting to a new environment, allow your child to see the new classroom and meet the teachers prior. Take them on a tour. This may help the kids to become more familiar with the new environment. Also, have a conversation with them about all the positive aspects of school and their favourite subjects.

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