08/15/2025
BACK TO SCHOOL! 🎒✏️
This time of year can be both exciting and stressful for students and parents alike.
Sleep deprivation, meltdowns, tantrums, and sensory overload are all common—especially in those first few weeks.
Here are some ideas to help make the transition back to the school routine a little smoother:
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1️⃣ Practice “dry run” school mornings
Don’t wait until the first day to wake them up early. If you can, start a week (or at least a few days) ahead of time. Practice getting up, dressed, and eating breakfast by the time they’ll need to be ready for the bus or drop-off.
2️⃣ Match the school meal schedule
If your child’s school has set snack/lunch times, try to follow that schedule at home in the days leading up to school. For younger students (K–2), have them practice opening their lunch containers—juice boxes, Tupperware, baggies—so they feel confident at mealtime.
3️⃣ Ease into bedtime
Shift bedtime earlier before the night before school starts. A gradual adjustment will make those early mornings much easier.
4️⃣ Lighten the load after school
Especially in the first week (or first two weeks for Kindergarten), keep after-school activities minimal. School days are full of stimulation, and their bodies need time to adjust. If your child is melting down after school, try:
• Giving them space
• Quiet white noise and dim lighting
• “Heavy work” activities (crashing into pillows, carrying laundry)
• A thick drink through a straw
You might be excited to hear all about their day—but for kids on sensory overload, lots of questions right away can push them over the edge. Offer a snack, let them decompress, and let them share when they’re ready.
5️⃣ End the night on a calm note
Try a warm bath, calming scents (lavender, vanilla, chamomile), and big hugs or squeezes to help their bodies relax before sleep.
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✨ Wishing you and your kiddos a smooth, happy, and meltdown-minimized start to the school year!
