The start of the new school year is approaching, and with it comes a whole host of emotions. The joy of reconnecting with friends, the excitement of new things, but also stress, fatigue, racing against the clock... And all the benefits of the vacations are gone! So that this key moment of the year no longer rhymes with tension, here are our five practical tips for a zen back-to-school experience with your family. Your mission: to get back into a good rhythm at school, while preserving the serenity of both children and parents.
#1 - Resuming the rhythm gradually
Fortunately, summer schedules are often more flexible! But a sudden return to waking up at 7am can be a source of fatigue and grumbling. It's out of the question to suddenly switch from idleness to waking up in a hurry! To prepare your children for the new school year, it's important to gently readjust their sleep patterns and mealtimes. Start as early as the last week of August, or even as early as mid-August, depending on age and vacation rhythm:
- Gradually bring forward bedtime and wake-up time: readjust from quarter-hour to quarter-hour.
- Resume regular mealtimes, closer to those at school.
With these gradual adjustments, you avoid the fatigue of the first few days of school, and make for a smoother start. The whole family gets back into the swing of things.
💡If you've been more permissive about using screens, think about reducing the amount of time you use them too. It's better to opt for screen-free activities before bedtime. Instead, (re)establish some routines: evening reading, a board game calm...
#2 - Involving children in preparations
Ah, the joys of supply lists... Large or small squared notebooks, single or double sheets, choosing the right schoolbag or outfit for the big day, all this can quickly become a chore... or a moment of complicity. By involving the children, you give them a measure of autonomy and reduce last-minute tensions. You can :
- prepare the supply list together ;
- ask them to check the condition of their pens from the previous year;
- let them choose their diary or kit;
- but make it clear that, no, you're not going to buy a new backpack every time you go back to school!
💡 Why not organize a customization (DIY) session to decorate their belongings. This fosters a positive atmosphere, and allows the whole family to experience this moment as a fresh start rather than a constraint. It's also a good time to instill a few values about reuse and recycling.
#3 - Structuring the day from getting up to going to bed
In the morning, it's often a race... and in the evening, fatigue takes over. For a zen start to the new school year, rely on simple organization. Your best ally: anticipation.
For a soft morning:
- prepare clothes and bags the day before;
- set up a visual "routine chart" for younger children (washing, dressing, breakfast, etc.);
- organize a quick and balanced breakfast corner.
In the evening, remember to plan a decompression period after school: a quiet snack, quiet time or free play. Set a time to start homework. What about a workshop? make-up before showering? Finally, avoid screens before bedtime.
These simple rituals set the pace and create a reassuring framework. They avoid tension and ease the transition between school and home.
#4 - Focus on reassuring rituals for the little ones
For children changing class, school or entering kindergarten, the start of the new school year can be a source of anxiety. Here are a few examples:
- read a back-to-school book the day before;
- prepare a small "doudou" object in the schoolbag;
- say a reassuring phrase to yourself every morning;
- draw an "emotion of the day" after school.
These simple gestures create a reassuring framework and help children to express their feelings. As emotional cues, they give meaning to the day's events and help them to cope better with the next morning's separation.
💡 Any other ideas? A little note in the schoolbag, a special morning song, an evening routine to tell about his day or give his top 3 best moments... By the way, this routine is also good for parents, think about it to fall asleep with pleasant emotions!
#5 - Keeping time for yourself for a zen start to the new school year
And what about the parents? Let's talk! For your children to feel good, you need to feel good too. A zen start to the new school year also requires a well-rested, centered parent who's not overwhelmed from the very first week. For example, you can :
- set aside some "just for you" time during the week (sport, reading, walking, etc.);
- delegate certain tasks ;
- and accept that you can't do everything perfectly.
These little moments are essential for maintaining energy and perspective. Back to school isn't a sprint, it's a start. Take care of yourself to better take care of others. Don't get caught up in the whirlwind of agendas.
💡A Zen family also means parents who take care of themselves. It's not selfish: it's essential!
The start of the new school year is a turning point, sometimes a whirlwind, but it can also be a great opportunity to strengthen family ties. By anticipating, establishing rituals and listening to everyone's needs, you can transform this moment into a positive high point for the whole family. And what if this back-to-school season was just the occasion to sow new, gentler habits in line with your family values? Have a stress-free back-to-school!
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