Beat the summer slump

Summer is the season of relaxation, vacations, and a break from routine. But did you know that having too much free time can also have negative consequences? The ‘Back to school’ period is often described as the “summer slump” – a phenomenon where children have forgotten key things they have learnt in school and when adults feel a sense of lethargy, lack of motivation, and decreased productivity.

Summer holidays are always an ideal chance to do, well … nothing. But too much of doing nothing can result in summer slump symptoms, especially in children, such as sleeping in excessive amounts, watching too much TV, prolonged exposure to video games, consuming unhealthy food, and even neglected personal hygiene. Therefore, going back to school can be a struggle. For both your children and you. Here’s how you can beat the summer slump and ensure a smooth transition from beach towels to textbooks.

Reestablish consistent routines in a fun way

During summer, your schedule was probably a lot more flexible than usual. The kids could sleep in, ate breakfast more slowly and watch a cartoon before going about their day. Now it’s time to get back to your consistent routine. But you don’t have to turn into a drill sergeant and yell commands at your children. Make routines fun (and educational). At breakfast, you can learn math or the alphabet with your kids – make them count the spoons of flour that go into the recipe or to write letters on pancakes with chocolate. Every morning, encourage your kids to try to beat the getting ready score from the previous day. Yesterday, they got dressed in 2 minutes. Can they beat that time? Give grades just like a teacher – an A for teeth well brushed and a D for forgetting to make their bed

Keep a positive mindset

Talk to you children about the positive aspects of back to school. Discuss the exciting opportunities that await them, such as reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, and exploring new subjects. Encourage open conversations about their hopes, concerns, and expectations for the upcoming year.

Go school shopping

Shopping for school supplies helps children mentally prepare for the return to school. Involve your child in selecting their own backpack, notebooks, and stationery. Allow them to express themselves by picking out items that reflect their interests and personalities. This not only instills a sense of ownership and pride but also builds anticipation and excitement for the new school year.

Create a cozy homework corner

Establishing a dedicated space for homework and studying is crucial for setting your child up for success. Designate a quiet area in your home where your child can focus and concentrate. Personalize it with inspirational posters, colorful stationery, and comfortable seating. Ensure the space is well-lit and free from distractions, providing an environment that promotes productivity and creativity.

Encourage extracurricular activities

Going back to school also presents an opportunity for children to explore their passions and interests through extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to participate in clubs, sports teams, or creative arts programs. This will not only help them develop new skills but also foster social connections and a sense of belonging, making the transition back to school more fulfilling.

Now that your kids are all set, it’s time for YOUR easier back-to-school (and work) transition. The hectic lifestyle is back – taking care of the kids, keeping your home clean and organized while also work, and the summer slump has left you demotivated.

Get every family member involved in chores.

Children usually hate doing chores, but hey, that doesn’t mean you’ll be the only one doing what has to be done. Children are usually very competitive, so how does a Chore Olympics sound? Assign various chores to different family members and set a timer. Who can fold laundry the fastest? Who can clean their room most efficiently? Who can sweep the floor in the most spotless way, who can unload the 16-place setting of the GV60ORAB dishwasher the fastest? Who will make the best chocolate chip cookies in the GO858B oven? Give rewards for best Olympians, for example, can have a chore-free day or choose what to watch on family movie night.