How UAE parents get back in the groove

Summer holidays are finally over in the UAE and with it comes the frenzy routine that revolves around the school timings of your children. This means no late nights before the television or late dinners and no more an 8am wake up time to catch up on your lost sleep.

Nobody likes to get back to a routine life but that’s what it will be in a few days’ time as many schools reopen for the new academic year in the country with most open within the first week of September.

And as a parent, it would mean putting an early dinner on the table, tucking in the kids at 8pm and setting the alarm clock for 6am when the mad rush begins.

Now that the reality is just a few days away, educationist in the country say the key to a stress free start to the school year is by getting ready for it. Give time to yourself and the kids to get accustomed to the pre-summer life so that the transition from holidays to routine days is far easier.

Alison Turner, Executive Primary Headteacher at Kings' School Dubai, has five tips that can come handy in ensuring that you are well prepared for the post-holiday period, which she shares with Emirates 24|7.

Get organised!

The biggest task is getting organised after the relaxed past two months or so. The Kings teacher, thus puts this is her “number 1 top tip”. To begin with take time to set the bedtime routine of the kids.

For most parents waking up the kids on time is one of the biggest headaches after holidays. They love to toss and turn and if they have not been well rested this battle could only take longer, which may mean missing the bus or breakfast.

“Get your children into a bedtime routine in the week leading up to school so that they can cope with all of what the start of term brings without feeling tired,” says Turner.

“Also try on school shoes and (clearly labelled!), uniform; practice going to the toilet independently for little ones and managing school bags and contents. Your child will benefit from feeling confident around these routines,” she adds.

Get talking!

The second tip from Turner is about talking to your kids about school and the new academic year so that s/he is mentally prepared for it.

“Talk about going back to school in a really positive way so that meeting new friends and teachers and coping with change and new beginnings is something your child feels comfortable with and is looking forward to. Using the class teacher's name and sticking their photograph on the fridge can help alleviate any worries (look on the school's website if you don't have this),” she explains.

Go shopping!

Last minute preparation means a chaotic final day. As the malls in the country run their back to school promotion make sure you have stocks that your child will need when he gets back to school. 

“Make sure your child has everything they need (depending upon their age). For example, their pencil case; swimming kit; correct uniform and footwear. Get a haircut and make sure your child feels ready and proud on the first day of term!”

Get hydrated!

Since holidays are over most kids will spend more of their time outdoors, which includes running around in the heat. 

“[So] get children back into the habit of drinking plenty of water as they will need to stay hydrated to be able to focus and learn effectively,” says Turner.

Stay calm!

Lastly, stay calm as you will likely take a few days to get used to the new routine. “Allow plenty of time on the first morning to get organised and arrive punctually to have a relaxing and calm start to the day for you and your child. If you are starting at a new school, practise the route at the time you need to leave home to check traffic. If you are using a school bus, make sure you know the arrangements in good time,” emphasises the expert at Kings.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.