Revisiting Your Childcare Plan: Back to School
It may only be the middle of July, but revisiting your back-to-school plan or childcare needs for the fall are important and best to do early.
Surviving summer is a feat in of itself so to then add in the stress of changing routines can be downright panic inducing. So, we are here to help you be prepared for the transition in schedules and allow for the opportunity to enjoy these last few weeks of summer.
Whether you have school age kids or little ones heading off to daycare, here’s some easy steps you can take now to make that first day back better:
Give yourself and them time to adjust to the change in schedule. Spend a week or two before getting back into a morning and nighttime routine.
Talk with your child about what to expect and ways that they can cope with any anxieties or worries.
Make sure that your child is up to date on any required annual checkups with their healthcare provider.
Connect with parents with children in the same program so there are familiar faces on that first day.
If your child is starting at a new daycare or school, request a visit so you and your child can familiarize yourselves with the layout of the building, meet the staff and ease the stress of the unknown facility.
Check with your EAP for recommendations on providers or if your employer offers a childcare stipend.
Request a list of any necessary supplies or personal care items that your child may need daily.
These are just a few of the ways that can help you and your child.
Most importantly, give yourself and your child grace as you both adjust to/back into this routine. And remember that this is a phase and with each day, new relationships will be built, stress will ease, and this will become your normal schedule.
If you have any questions, or need additional support or resources, your Care Navigator is always available to help.
“Give yourself and your child grace as you both adjust to/back into this routine.”