Summer Break Is Almost Over: How to Prepare for Back-to-School Routine Changes

The summer break allowed us to relax some of our routines. For some, work traffic became less tedious since schools were closed. We could sleep longer and enjoy time with our children or friends. Summer break is ending, and we want you to be ready for the changes in some routines to help you prepare for the new school year.

Remember, September can be a financially dry month.

Back-to-school expenses can distract some of us from remembering that September can be a financially dry month. It helps to be diligent with your budget. Focus on priority items when shopping since you can purchase some things after the school year starts. Also, many companies pay staff on the 25^th of the month, so prepare to sacrifice eating out, gym, or other self-pampering activities to reduce expenses.

You will need to prepare for back-to-school expenses.

Review your child’s back-to-school list, create a budget, and start shopping early. You can look for deals to help save on some expenses. When planning your budget, pay attention to school activities that attract money. Ask your child about their goals for the year, so you can choose paid activities that help them academically and otherwise instead of participating for fun.

School and work preparation timelines will change.

Getting an extra hour of sleep in the morning has been blissful for some of us. With the new school year starting, it is no longer a luxury we can afford. Preparing for school and dealing with traffic means pivoting from what might have been a relaxed summer routine. Some changes to prepare for include earlier wakeups, cutting back on late nights, and re-establishing sleep routines for everyone.

It would help if you prepared for traffic mentally.

Travelling to work during the summer has been relatively smooth. There was less traffic, reducing the rush to travel to work or do chores on the road. September signals the return of tiresome rush-hour traffic. From parents dropping children off at school to taxi and bus drivers recklessly navigating traffic, mental and physical preparation are necessary. To reacclimate to the school routine, do chores and meal prep on the weekends.

You will officially be back on duty helping the kids with school projects.

You have had time off from helping your child with assignments, but that’s about to change. You will need to check their homework, which requires dedicated time. Ask about school projects early, create a timetable, and pace yourself. Help your child to be more independent by being a facilitator instead of taking on the project. Let them tell you how to solve problems.

These tips can make preparing for the changes in your routine more manageable. If you need an extra nudge with getting ready, we also have additional back-to-school tips you might find helpful. Please use Find Yello to search for bookstores, supermarkets, and related businesses.

Sources: Teach Hub, Great Schools, Ministry of Finance, and Scholastic.