Start school relaxed with weighted blankets – for a balanced mood before the start of school

 

The last weeks of summer vacation are beginning and the new school year, possibly a new school, is just around the corner. Both parents and children feel excitement, nervousness, and rising stress. As the whole family transitions from a carefree summer life to the more regulated and scheduled "back-to-school" mode, a variety of stress factors reappear that affect everyone in the family.

Here are a few tips to start the back-to-school season smoothly:

Listening & Watching

Most adults can recognize when they feel anxious or stressed. It is important as a parent to recognize signs of stress in teenagers and children. Common signals can be sleep disturbances, headaches and stomachaches, and behavioral changes (irritability and tantrums). The first step to help your child with school stress is to really listen to what your child is dealing with and if something is bothering them. You can start conversations at dinner or with younger children when putting them to bed at night. If your child does not express their thoughts verbally, pay attention to nonverbal cues. Trust your instincts if you feel your child is behaving differently, withdrawn, or suffering from emerging sleep problems.

Dealing with Homework

If homework is new to your family dynamics, take time to discuss the work with your children. Talk about it and help them develop a plan for how to complete the assignments. When they learn to manage their workload efficiently, they will succeed not only in school but also in the workplace. For older children, you might want to set up a plan at the beginning of each week. Also pay attention to the environment a child has when doing homework. Do they have a fixed place or do they prefer to change rooms? A conversation can help clarify what the child needs to be able to work focused. Other siblings should be involved and know the boundaries to give the child enough quiet for school tasks. 

Create routines

Children and young adults usually need a consistent schedule. Plan weekly appointments before the school year starts and prepare your children for the change in daily routine. Of course, situations will arise that throw you off track, but try your best to resume the routine as soon as possible. Spend some time every weekend gathering your thoughts and plans for the coming week. Write down appointments (both your own and your children's), extracurricular activities, playdates, etc. A shared calendar can be useful here. And when you are not stressed, you will be more able to give your children the attention and love they need. Consistency and boundaries can help reduce some worries and stress.

Plan breaks

Almost every teenager, child, and even toddlers frequently use smartphones. Electronic devices capture our attention with buzzing, beeping, and blinking notifications.

Setting screen-free times during the day, e.g., when the family eats together, or no electronics in bedrooms overnight, can help reduce stress and restlessness in your children.

Although technology undoubtedly has an important value in our society, it is important to reduce screen time and schedule fixed and regulated times for children to promote conscious use.

Unscheduled time

Extracurricular activities are fantastic for everyone. However, it is just as important that every family member takes time to relax and have unscheduled time for themselves. An appropriate break can help reduce stress and anxiety. Take time for yourself, exercise, read a book, take a walk, and spend time outdoors.

Our therapy blankets for adults help you make the most of your time for yourself by allowing you to relax and regain energy for everyday life.

Your children should also stick to such times. Listening to music, reading a book, or drawing in the children's room. Continuous sleep also helps start the day productively and reduces stress.

Our therapy blankets for children are tailored to your child's body weight and size and can help not only you but also your children fall asleep faster and more peacefully and wake up more relaxed. Balanced sleep promotes concentration and helps your children master the new school routine.