What to do in the days and week(s) in between camp and school

Managing the time in between camp and school can be challenging for parents. Although you want to enjoy the last taste of summer and relax with your children, many children do not function as well when their time is unstructured. Sticking to some semblance of a routine will keep your child’s behavior organized as well as help with the transition back to school.

• Wake-up time should be the same as on a school day for at least a week before school starts.
•  Review the day’s schedule to help your child know what to anticipate.
• Call the school to find out what time snack and lunch times are so that you can mimic some of your child’s school schedule   at home.
• Set up play dates with other children from your child’s class so that he/she will feel comfortable with school friends
•  For preschoolers who may be tactile defensive or resist touching arts and crafts materials, do projects at home with materials that are typically used in a preschool classroom such as play-doh, glue, clay, Model Magic, etc.
• For older children who are required to wear a uniform and resist the feel of the clothing, pre-wash the uniform and have your child get used to wearing it before the first day of school arrives.

If your child has a later bed time over the summer, slowly push bed time up by 10-15 minute increments before school so that he/she will be well rested.

Blog by: Aviva Goldwasser, MS, OTR