The days are already getting shorter and the nights are getting colder, which means the end of summer is just around the corner – and with it, the resumption of school for both K-12 and college/university students is nigh.
Yes, back-to-school season has already been in full flow for a few weeks as families scramble to secure school supplies and equipment before the first day of classes on Sept. 5. For families, the end of August is always a hectic time of year, especially after what is usually a comparative lack of structure and routine throughout the summer.
But while getting back into the swing of things can be stressful every September, there are plenty of benefits to resuming the normalcy of routine. According to the U.S.-based Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Centre (ECLKC), predictable routines can help children develop confidence. Plus, having a regular schedule can help them feel more in control of their environment.
Regular routines also help children engage in their learning better, according to the centre.
"When infants and toddlers are part of familiar activities and routines, they develop relationships with the people they interact with and gain a sense of belonging and self-confidence," the ECLKC stated on their website.
As also stated on the ECLKC website, a 2006 study in School Psychology Review called "Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning: A Conceptual Model for Intervention" found that "engaging, predictable environments and ongoing positive adult-child interactions are necessary for promoting children's social and emotional development and preventing challenging behaviours."
As most parents of school-aged children are probably aware, convincing kids to get up early for school after a summer of potentially staying up late and sleeping in until noon is a daunting task. But some research has indicated that waking up early is helpful in establishing a more restorative sleep and sets an internal body clock and Circadian rhythm.
So as stressful as the next few weeks may feel, remember there's a lot of benefit to that stress.
