The Ultimate Back To School Survival Guide for 2020-2021

How to support parents, kids, and teachers this school year

It’s probably safe to say that there has never been a start to a school year quite like this one and it’s important for us to realize that we need all the support we can get.

For parents, kids and teachers there are unique challenges and each state, town and school district is going about the back to school process a bit differently. We are all figuring it out as we go along.

This can create confusion and sometimes an overwhelming sense of frustration if we aren’t careful. It’s important to counter that with good information, small steps, and careful communication. It’s also important to support our bodies, emotions, and overall wellness.

Whether you and your kiddos are feeling anxious, ambivalent, or excited…we have a few pro tips to help the whole family ease into the transition and not only survive but thrive! 

12 Tips to Help You Get Back to School Successfully

Know That You Are Not Alone

Literally, parents everywhere are all basically in this together. We are all facing tough choices and what can look like a no win situation. Have at least one or two people you can reach out to if you need to talk.

Most states have mental health support resources available for both parents and kids so make sure you know what your families options are in case you need them. 

Establish and/or Stick To a Daily Routine

Many people are working from home AND homeschooling (at least for now). Quite a few school districts are not opening their doors to students and the fall semesters are online. It’s important to follow a routine anyway. Set a schedule and stick to it. This way when kids do go back to school they are already used to the timing. 

One great way to do this is to set a kitchen or cell phone timer and block time. Everyone will know when one section is done and it’s time to move on to another.

Get Help If/When You Need It

Many schools are offering technology, resources and FREE meals to kids even though school is online. This means that parents can work with their child’s school and get them the school resources, support and nutrition they need even if they are not onsite daily. 

Identify Tutoring or “Pod Learning” Options In Your Area

Some parents and/or groups of parents are teaming up to bring kids together on a small scale to help each other with some of the teaching. There are also older kids, college students or child care workers who might be out of school or laid off and who offer tutoring services. Check with people you know and trust and see if there are any that make sense for you and your family.

Setup A Flexible Learning Area At Home

If you are homeschooling, or just learning online until school is back in session or any combination of these, you will want to have a comfortable area in your house for the kids to work at. This can be as simple as the dining room table, it just needs to be set up and consistent.

Store all of the supplies your kids will need in a handy desk, moveable cart or cupboard that they can easily access and keep organized. Make it as close to what they have in school to keep the routine similar.

Make Sure To Have Fun Too

Too much work and no play will burn everyone out. Schedule breaks and time outs for kids and parents to get a minute to play, take a nap or do something fun.

Keep Expectations Realistic

High school kids will have an easier time taking classes online independently than grade school or even junior high school kids will. If you have younger kids, they will need more attention and focus than older ones will. 

Know your boundaries, limits and what is reasonable for your child/children. And go easy on yourself if you don’t get it perfect the first time. This is new territory for all of us.

Try to Embrace Technology

Computers and online classes are not easy for everyone but they are the way of the future. Take a bit of time to learn the tools that your kids will be using and get more comfortable with supporting them and if you can, try to make it fun.

You might think about adding a Salt Lamp to mitigate the EMF from constant computer contact or some Blue Light glasses or supplements specifically to help relieve the strain on your students eyes from all the screen-time.

Get Plenty of Time Outside

Daily exercise is a good idea anytime but it is especially important now. Fresh air, sunshine and movement can help support your immune system and improve your mental and physical health. Kids need at least 60 minutes a day so get creative and enjoy it with them if you can. 

Stay Healthy, Eat Nutritious Foods and Use Supplements When Needed

Now more than ever, it is important to follow recommended health guidelines and wellness practices. This will support your body, mind and everything that you do during the day. Staying healthy gives you an extra boost and protection against whatever might come your way.

Go School Shopping (Even if You’re Homeschooling or Going Back Online)

Just because you aren’t going back to a classroom, your kids will love the fun of back to school shopping. Even if it’s just a t-shirt or a new pen. Most kids look forward to the routine for this time of year so enjoy it with them in any way you can. 

Be Prepared For Change and Stay Flexible

The 2020/2021 school year is starting out rocky and will most likely continue to be challenging well into next year. 

That having been said, the best way to handle it gracefully is to stay flexible and try to keep an optimistic outlook. If we can’t control it we might as well make the best of it. All is not lost and in fact we can embrace change and see what amazing opportunities might be just around the corner as we navigate these new and uncharted waters.

Reach out to us here at Simply Nutrition if you need any back to school snacks, supplies or advice on how to stay healthy and protect your immune system all year long. We can’t wait to see you again!

As always, reach out if you have any questions, comments or just want to say hello! 

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