Back to School
I can't believe how quickly time has flown by - didn't I just write about vacation? Now the kids are getting ready to go back to school. Everywhere you look, stores are promoting their "back to school" sales with the latest supplies. From the newest ergonomic backpacks to bright new crayons and stylish Post-It notes, the selection is irresistible. Even before the holidays are over, posters remind us that school is just around the corner - what a great motivator! Not sure if this is encouraging our children, or if they would vote for another couple of weeks of vacation.
Why did summer holidays always seem so endless when I was a child? Today, it feels like I blinked and the five weeks are over. That's how many we get in Switzerland. Now, our children are on a 3-month summer break in Spain, with not a lot of vacation in between. While their cousins and friends are going back to school, they still have a couple of weeks left. When asked which they prefer, they usually opt for the Swiss way. They enjoy the many mini-breaks throughout the year rather than one long stretch during the hot and sweaty summer.
I really enjoy the holidays with our children!
I was recently reminded of this when I talked with mothers who can’t wait for their children to go back to school. Finally, peace and quiet, no fighting, etc. How unfortunate, because I also heard that phrase as a child—and you know what? I didn’t like it at all!
I understand that parents often don't mean much by it; they say it in moments that are simply challenging. The oldest child is constantly bored and unsure of what to do, the younger ones argue non-stop, and the noise level has significantly increased since the holidays began. These are all things we find difficult to handle. So, school starts to sound like a kind of liberation! And let’s face it—everyone is talking this way! Everywhere you turn, it’s like hearing a megaphone: “I can’t wait for school to start again!” Instagram Reels are filled with the same chorus, but how about we sing a different tune?
As a child, I wondered why my parents said this... didn’t they enjoy that extra time with me!?
Of course, I later realized that it wasn't that they didn't love being with me; it was just a challenging time for them. Children don't have the ability to understand that kind of adult perspective.
I tell my children how much I cherish the extra time with them during the holidays, and I genuinely feel sad when it's over. This doesn't mean we spend the entire five weeks in perfect harmony, always smiling and without challenges. No, we definitely face our fair share of difficulties, and not every day is smooth sailing. However, I truly enjoy the time with my children and have learned to appreciate even the tough moments. And you know what? I've discovered that my attitude toward the holidays significantly shapes the atmosphere in our home.
One trap I've fallen into—and one I hear about often—is the frustration that arises when you put your best effort into organizing a great program. You plan and prepare, only to hear the kids complain, "This is boring; I don't want to go there!" Or, instead of falling into bed exhausted at the end of the day as you had hoped, they throw a dramatic tantrum. Wonderful, right?!
Have you ever found yourself saying, "Can't you be more grateful? I did all this for you; do you know how much it cost?" While it's important to teach gratitude, expecting your children to fall at your feet will only lead to frustration. Expectations can be a killer in any context, can't they?
Let's face it, how grateful were you for everything your parents did for you? We encourage gratitude by discussing it and giving children hands-on opportunities to organize, cook, clean, and more. These activities help them understand what it takes to run a household.
We’ve already discussed the importance of enjoying summers with your children—after all, you only get 18 of them, and they pass by faster than we’d like, leaving us reminiscing about the beautiful moments.
If you missed that post, be sure to read it. The next summer will be here before you know it.
Back-to-school time is more than just a shift in our schedules; it's an opportunity to reflect on our attitudes toward spending quality time with our children. I'm not suggesting that you fake enjoyment, but rather that you remember that these little people are gifts from our Creator. Walking with them through their first 18 years is a beautiful journey. Yes, it will be challenging, but choosing joy in the midst of trials is far better than giving in to frustration and creating a negative atmosphere. I'm speaking from personal experience.
It's also important to consider their emotions. Returning to school often means facing changes - new classes, new friends, new teachers, or even a new city or country.
For us, adjusting to a new country three years ago, with our daughters learning two new languages, was a significant transition. Here are some tips that helped them during this time and continue to support them in no particular order:
Communicate
Having early conversations with your children about their expectations for the new school year is a valuable way to support their readiness and enthusiasm. By encouraging an open dialogue, you give them the opportunity to express any hopes, concerns, or uncertainties they may have. This communication will help build their confidence and comfort level as they approach the start of school.
Begin by asking them what they are looking forward to, but also let them share what they are worried about in the coming year. Listen carefully. Plan to have these conversations a few weeks before school starts, as the last week before return may seem busy.
Traditions
Helping your child transition back to school can be made easier by starting a new tradition during the last week of vacation. Whether it's a picnic by the lake, a trip to the movies, a road trip, camping under the stars, or a special dinner, these activities create lasting memories and ease the transition.
We often end our summer break with a special meal out, reflecting our tradition of eating out at the beginning of the vacation. Reflecting on summer memories during these moments fosters a sense of connection and excitement for the upcoming school year, making the return to routine a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Organization
To ensure a smooth transition back to school, make a list of your children's essential school supplies and start shopping early. Proper preparation is crucial, as a well-organized start can make all the difference. Avoid the last-minute rush by creating a to-do list a few weeks in advance. This way, you can gather everything you need without the stress of rushing to buy things just before school starts, when emotions may be running high.
Be intentionally prepared so that the last week before school can be spent making lasting memories, discussing upcoming changes, and simply enjoying each other's company. Adding some fun and unique back-to-school supplies can make the process even more enjoyable for them.
School Snacks
Plan ahead for a stress-free school year by making a list of healthy snacks to rotate throughout the week. Stock up on non-perishable items early so you don't have to buy fresh produce until closer to the start of school. This strategy will help you stay organized and ensure a smoother transition for everyone.
Establish Routine
Use the last week of vacation to ease your children back into a school routine. During the break, their schedule might have been more relaxed with late bedtimes and sleeping in. Begin transitioning back to a consistent routine during this final week.
Research shows that children with regular bedtime routines have better working memory, improved attention, and are generally more prepared for school. Good sleep also contributes to a happier child. If you don't already have one, now is a great time to establish a nighttime routine.
Prepare for changes
Help your children adjust to the upcoming changes by preparing them in advance. Introduce them to the names of their new teachers, familiarize them with the layout of the school, and, if possible, walk to school together or take a trial bus ride. This will help them feel more confident and comfortable navigating the new routine on their own.
Declutter and organize
Encourage your children to get ready for the school year by spending the next two weeks decluttering and organizing their school bags. This is a great opportunity to sort through old items, find and pack necessary supplies, and ensure everything is in order before the new school year begins.
Be present
If your children are having a hard time adjusting to school, or like ours, have started a new school in a new country with two new languages, it's important to be present. Make sure your evenings are free of extra commitments so you can be there for them. Just your presence can be incredibly comforting. Spend a little extra time with them, listen to their concerns, and offer comfort. Those few extra minutes in bed that allow them to share what's on their hearts can make all the difference.
Pray
We usually set aside our last family night before school starts for a special time of prayer. We come together to share specific prayer points for each child, with everyone taking turns praying for each other. This moment becomes deeply meaningful as we lay hands on each other and dedicate the upcoming school year to God. It's a powerful way for our family to come together and declare God's guidance, protection, and blessings for the year ahead. As we also come together to pray throughout the year.
Celebrate
We often mark special occasions with food, and this is no exception. To kick off the new school year, each of our children gets to choose their favorite meal for the first three days of school. It's a fun way to celebrate and make the start of the school year a little more exciting!
I’m sure you have countless ideas for making the back-to-school transition smoother. Be intentional about preparing for school and avoid the last-minute rush, which often leaves children with little room to process their feelings and express their thoughts. Taking the time to plan and prepare thoughtfully truly makes a significant difference in how smoothly the transition goes and how well your children adjust to the new school year. Surrendering to God and knowing that He will take care of them allows your children to experience His love and understand that He is a caring Father who will meet all their needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)