Five simple back to school tips designed with families in mind.  Are you ready to smooth your child’s transition between the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year?

Tip #1 Bedtime 

The first back to school tip is to adjust bedtime schedules. While relaxing nightly routines works well during the summer, it isn’t such a good thing during the school year. Begin to adjust bedtimes no later than a week before your boys and girls begin the school year. This can be done in thirty minute increments over 4-7 days to get the school schedule back on track.

There are many medical studies that tell of the benefits gained from a good night’s sleep. Children need more sleep than adults. For young minds to be alert, behaviors to be appropriate, and to have a positive classroom experience, experts tell us younger children need 10+ hours of sleep a night. Middle school and teens should allow for 8-10 hours of sleep. You will maximize your student’s learning capacity by setting appropriate bedtimes.

Tip #2 Set Screen Time Boundaries

Another big back to school tip is to set screen time boundaries. Today’s children are caught up in, perhaps even addicted to, video games and an overabundance of on screen activities. Many studies show this level of involvement plays a negative role in their lives. There’s a noticeable lack of social interaction, problem solving abilities, and focused attention in the class room. Mobile phones and tablets are being used by many parents to keep a youngster occupied. That’s okay for short periods of time, but you’ll do your child a favor by setting appropriate boundaries for these activities. A couple easy rules are: Two hours of screen time daily, but all screens stop two hours before bedtime. Homework comes first. Dinnertime is for conversation and family time together. Always know what your child is looking at and make it clear you have veto power to approve or disapprove the game/site.

Tip #3 Count the Costs

Think ahead. Start early. Count the costs. Then put aside a certain amount of dollars over several weeks. The amount will vary family-to-family depending on a combination of factors. In particular, the student’s age and the family’s financial well-being. Don’t feel bad wherever your family lies on this issue. Simply figure out creative ways to get what’s needed. I  recommend not adding debt to accomplish the task. There’s no shame in being frugal shoppers and hunting down bargains. Look for used items at thrift shops or share resources. Thinking ahead is a great way to  to make sure the need is covered before the 3rd week of August. For example, a family with two children, ages 6 and 9, figures out they can put $50 a week in a special jar over 6 weeks. They’ll have $300 to spend on clothes and school supplies.

Tip #4  Get the List

Start early. Make sure you’ve gotten a school supplies list for each child. Don’t assume to know what each child will need. From year-to-year things do change. A new teacher, or text book, might mean new technology or other items are going to be used. The best way to make sure your child is well-equipped to succeed is to contact the school. If money is tight, trying getting a few things each week and not all at once. Of course, it’s wise to be money smart and take advantage of what can be used from last year’s studies. But, be sure his backpack isn’t torn and create an embarrassment. Peer pressure can be ruthless at times.

Tip #5 Teach the Children

Back to school tip #4 is to teach children to manage money and become aware of how to plan before doing the shopping. Oversee the meeting but don’t do all of the work; and don’t add frustration either. They are children today but also a future adults. Getting ready for school provides many prime teaching moments. Get together and brainstorm the school year’s needs. Listen well. Bring tangible cash to the table. Credit card buying keeps spending a bit aloof. Cash feels different. Let’s say your budget is $250. Have real dollars: $50 x 1, $20 x 6, $10 x 6, $5 x 4, to create the spending reality. Definitely incorporate several of their ideas. Depending on the age of the child, shift some spending decisions their way. By age 16, it’s good to shift the responsibility to them. Allow him or her the freedom to spend a budgeted dollar amount. If the money runs out then discuss how to make up the deficit. Perhaps there’s work to be done or simply do without until the next month. These are excellent opportunities to teach money management skills to the younger generation. Supervise when necessary. But remember to teach the children. Their future is being shaped.