Gear up for the 2023 school year by giving back and getting ready
You can help children – maybe yours and definitely others – get the best possible start to the school year.
The Y @ Work is collecting school supplies for kids in need. Plus, your kids may need a reset from laid-back summer routines before the school year. Let’s dive in.
Y @ Work Back to School Drive
Drop off donations through August 8
AP4 Y @ Work
Monday – Friday
5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Supplies requested:
- New or gently used backpacks
- Wide and college-ruled notebooks
- Two-pocket folders (with and without prongs)
- Pencils
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Pencil pouches
- Loose-leaf paper
- Composition notebook
- 24-count washable markers
Help kids adjust to school routines after summer
After a summer filled with fun, getting kids in “back-to-school mode” can be challenging. A little preparation helps children and grownups adjust to school routines more easily.
Reset internal clocks
Summer schedules might allow for sleeping in, but the school schedule usually means early mornings. Give your child some time to adjust to a new sleep schedule. Ideally two weeks before the first day of school, move up bedtime and wake-time by 15 to 30 minutes each day until your child is back on the school sleep schedule. This allows your child’s internal clock to gradually prepare for the early morning routine.
Restrict electronics
Research shows children who use electronics as a calming night-time routine get fewer hours of sleep per week and experience daytime sleepiness. Restricting your child’s screen time, especially in the two hours before bed, will help them get a full night’s sleep. Replace the screen with a book as a great bonding activity, a way to improve language skills and help them to relax.
A dark room promotes healthy sleep
Children are sensitive to light, causing their bodies to stay alert even when it’s time to wind down. While preparing for bedtime, dim the lights. Using dark shades can help with summer morning and evening light. Encourage children to use night lights instead of overhead lights for evening and night-time potty trips.
Prepare outfits ahead of time
Have your child pick out his outfit in the evening before school the next day. Allowing children to choose their outfit will help them to feel in control and confident.
Calm anxieties about the first day
Talk to your child about her worries, like meeting new people and making friends. Let them know you’ll be there for them. Sometimes children just need a little reassurance.
Keep summer hobbies alive with afterschool programs
Afterschool programs and activities are great ways for your child to meet new friends and develop social and teamwork skills. Did your child discover a new hobby over the summer or develop a special interest in swimming or gymnastics? Support your child’s passions by enrolling them in an afterschool program.
Visit abcquality.org to learn more about childcare and development.