Back to School Do’s and Don’ts for an A+ Year

Transitioning from the freewheeling days of summer to the structured routine of the school year can be challenging, especially for kids. Make it a little bit easier with these back to school do’s and don’ts for your family.  Lesson 1: Don’t forget to have fun!

Family Tips for Back to School

While the prospect of a new school year is exciting, it can also be stressful for kids. Anxiety over new classmates and teachers, not to mention new expectations, can drain some of the fun from back to school season. Fortunately, these do’s and don’ts can help you inject the fun back into your family’s school year. 

Do get on a schedule. 

One of the hardest parts of going back to school is getting everyone up and out of the door on time every day. If your kids are cranky in the morning, they may not be getting enough sleep. Try to gradually move their bedtimes earlier to ensure that they’re getting adequate sleep. According to the CDC, preschoolers (3-5 years old) need anywhere from 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day (including naps). School kids from 6-12 years old require between 9 and 12 hours of sleep per day, and teens need 8 to 10 hours. And parents, while we’re on the subject, consider adjusting your bedtime, too! Getting enough sleep is essential for people of all ages to feel their best and perform their best at work, school, or sports. 

Don’t forget to have fun.

It’s easy to get caught up in busy school schedules, but after a relaxed summer, the faster pace of the school year can feel even harder to keep up with. Combat burnout by making time for fun amid the hectic rush of day to day life. Reserve one night every week or so for a family fun night. Choose an activity that you can all enjoy, like bowling. An evening family outing to the bowling alley is affordable, fun, and sure to put smiles on your kids faces. You can even grab dinner from 11th Frame Bar & Grill. Just pick out your pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, drinks and hot appetizers, and we’ll deliver them right to your lane. 

Do make new connections. 

The best way to banish worries about making new friends at school is to break the ice and just do it! A healthy social life is just as important for kids as the rest of their schooling, so help them make the most of it by inviting some classmates to go bowling. Kids and teens love cosmic bowling, and it’s sure to create an opportunity for closer friendships. We also have youth bowling leagues, which can be a great extracurricular activity for kids who want to expand their social circle. 

Don’t stay still. 

It’s easy to be active during the summer when school’s out, but sitting in class (or work) all day can lead to physical and mental health issues. Don’t let the sedentary life get the best of you. Find activities that keep you moving, and you’ll find that you have even more energy and excitement for everything you do.