Written by Frances Smith, patient access specialist
As summer comes to a close and the new school year lies ahead, many parents and children find themselves struggling with the transition from the laid-back days of summer to the structured routines of the school year. While the shift can seem daunting, re-establishing a school routine is not just necessary but incredibly beneficial for your child’s development, including for those who are neurodivergent.
Why Structure Matters:
Routine might sound boring to some, especially compared to the spontaneity of summer days. But it’s exactly this predictability that helps children, particularly those with neurodivergent tendencies thrive.
Cognitive Development:
A structured environment helps the brain develop by creating a framework in which learning can occur. Regular routines help children develop self-discipline, focus, and time management skills. Over time, structure can support the development of executive functioning skills, which are essential for planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
Emotional Security:
When children know what to expect, they feel more secure and less anxious. This emotional stability is crucial for neurodivergent children, who may be more sensitive to environmental changes. Routine helps them manage their emotions and reduces the likelihood of meltdowns or anxiety attacks.
Better Sleep and Health:
A consistent routine, including regular bedtime and wake-up times, helps regulate your child’s body clock. This regulation is crucial for ensuring they get enough sleep, which directly impacts their mood, focus, and overall health.
5 Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition
A consistent routine, including regular bedtime and wake-up times, helps regulate your child’s body clock. This regulation is crucial for ensuring they get enough sleep, which directly impacts their mood, focus, and overall health.
1. Gradually Reintroduce School Routines:
Start adjusting your child’s schedule a week or two before school begins. Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up times closer to what they will be during the school year. This helps your child’s body and mind adjust to the new schedule without a sudden shock.
2. Create a Visual Schedule:
For younger children or those who are neurodivergent, a visual and tactile schedule can be incredibly helpful. Use pictures or symbols to represent daily activities, like brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, and getting dressed. This visual aid can reduce anxiety and help your child understand what to expect each day.
3. Talk About School Positively:
Frame returning to school as an exciting event, not something to dread. Talk about the fun activities they will do, the friends they will see, and the new things they will learn. This positive reinforcement helps build enthusiasm and reduces apprehension about the change.
4. Practice the Routine Together:
A consistent routine, including regular bedtime and wake-up times, helps regulate your child’s body clock. This regulation is crucial for ensuring they get enough sleep, which directly impacts their mood, focus, and overall health.
5. Be Patient and Flexible:
Remember that it’s normal for children to take time to adjust to new routines. Be patient with them, and be flexible enough to make small adjustments as needed. Every child is different, and what works for one might need tweaking for another.
While the transition from summer to school can be challenging for all involved, it’s also an opportunity to set your child up for success in the year ahead. By embracing routine and structure, you’re not just preparing them for school—you’re giving their brain the tools it needs to develop and thrive. And with a little planning and patience, this transition can be smooth, positive, and even exciting.
Try to welcome the new school year with open arms, knowing that the routines we establish now will benefit our children long after their “back to school days”.
If you are interested in learning more about Infusion Associates or the IV treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (833) 394-0600 or filling out our online form.