The Back-to-School Transition

How to support your teen as they head back to school.

It’s hard to believe that school is almost in session and that the long stretch of summer days are about to come to an end. If your teen has been sleeping until the afternoon and staying up all night, you might be wondering how in the world they’ll be ready to get up and get going in just a few days — along with other things.

Here are some tips for supporting them not only with their sleep schedule, but also emotional support, getting back into the school routine, organization and more as they transition into the school year.

Provide Emotional Support

When our kids are younger, the physical demands are challenging. When they grow, the needs shift from the physical to the emotional, which comes with its own set of challenges.

A great way to support your teen emotionally is to be available. When your teen is ready to talk — talk. It may not be the most convenient time, but you won’t regret taking the time to engage in the conversation.

Also, ask questions. Ask your teen how they are feeling about the school year. What fears are they experiencing? What are they excited about? If they are nervous, discuss specific scenarios with them. If they are attending a new school, find out when the orientation will be and if they need some extra time walking the halls. If so, contact the principal to schedule a special time for them to tour the building.

In a time when anxiety is on the rise with teens, be aware of your child’s needs and know there is emotional support available in the form of counseling services. It’s great to normalize mental health, just like we normalize physical health — especially for our teens.

Get Back Into the School Routine

It’s recommended that teens receive 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Some teens will do better trying to acclimate to the school schedule a week or two before break is over. For those kids, they may want to start to wake up earlier, and try to get to bed earlier to prepare for what’s around the corner.

Some kids won’t need this preparation and will just naturally adjust once the school schedule kicks in. There isn’t a right or a wrong way. Just do what is best for your child.

Get Organized

Heading back to school means it’s time to get organized. Make sure your teen has all of the supplies they need for their classes. Help them to come up with a good after-school routine that takes their extracurriculars, work schedule and other commitments in mind. Find a good place in the house, that is free from distractions, for them to work. Consider putting up a family calendar so they know what is going on not only in their lives, but with the family as well, so that they can better prepare themselves for their work ahead.

Also, talk about the amount of time they will need to get ready for school and consider time savers, like picking out your clothes the day before and having your backpack packed up and ready to go.

Brush Up on School Skills

In the weeks leading up to school, challenge your teen to read a book and talk to you about what they’ve read. Have them work on a personal budget that includes any money they may need to make, or save, for the upcoming year. Talk about the classes they have signed up for and what they hope to learn in those classes. Once school starts, they will have plenty of work to do and will hopefully find that it all comes back to them pretty quickly.

Whether your teen is lamenting the end of summer, or gearing up for the year ahead, with these tips hopefully you will find both you and your teen are ready for the challenges, and excitement, that comes with the start of the school year.

KIDS EAT FREE

Here’s where to find restaurants that offer free or cheap kids meals around town.

Going out to eat can be a fun and convenient way to spend time with the family — but it can be pricey. Check out this Iguide to find places in Indy that offer free or cheap kids’ meals so that a night out doesn’t break the bank. Always make sure to call beforehand to check the location’s participation.

KIDS EAT FREE MONDAY

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

Multiple locations Get up to two complimentary kids meals per adult meal purchased.

Flamme Burger

8487 Union Chapel Rd., Suite 560, Indianapolis Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

Oasis Diner

405 W. Main St., Plainfield Kids 12 and under eat free from 5-9 p.m.

Golden Corral

6102 W. 38th St., Indianapolis Kids 3 and under eat free.

KIDS EAT FREE TUESDAY

317 Burger

915 E. Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

C.R. Heroes Family Pub

10570 E. 96th Street, Fishers Kids eat free after 5 p.m. with an adult purchase of $8 or more.

Fazoli’s

Multiple locations Get up to three kids meals for 99 cents each with purchase of one adult entree.

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

Multiple locations Up to two complimentary kids meals per adult meal purchased.

Perkins

Locations in Noblesville and Anderson Kids eat free after 4 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

Uno Pizzeria and Grill

4740 E. Southport Rd., Southport Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

Denny’s

Multiple locations Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal of $6 or more from 4-10 p.m.

Golden Corral

6102 W. 38th St., Indianapolis Kids 3 and under eat free.

Chili’s

Multiple locations My Chili’s Rewards members can receive Free Kids Meal rewards offers that can be redeemed in-restaurant or online.

Joella’s Hot Chicken

Indianapolis, Broad Ripple and Carmel locations Get up to two kids’ meals free with purchase of an adult meal from 5-7 p.m.

Rush on Main Street

Brownsburg and Zionsville locations Kids eat free every Tuesday.

KIDS EAT FREE WEDNESDAY

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

Multiple locations Get up to two complimentary kids meals per adult meal purchased.

Michelangelo's Italian Bistro

550 Westfield Rd., Noblesville Kids 12 and under receive a free kid’s meal and drink with each adult entree purchased.

Golden Corral

6102 W. 38th St., Indianapolis Kids 3 and under eat free.

KIDS EAT FREE THURSDAY

Barley Island Brewing Company

639 Conner St., Noblesville Kids eat with the purchase of an adult entree.

Golden Corral

6102 W. 38th St., Indianapolis Kids 3 and under eat free.