Transitions

Tough Transistions
Posted on 01/08/2020
Tough Transitions
by Mrs. Desiree Pezley, Eugene Field Asst Principal

The struggle is real. These words might describe your feelings this week if you are a student, parent, or teacher who is adjusting to returning back to school or work after being on Christmas break. Let’s be honest though, whether we are transitioning back to school, work, or any other kind of schedule after taking time off it is TOUGH!  It is nice to have a break from our “normal”. However, we forget just how important schedules, routines, and habits are and how they support our overall health. 

This first week back from break will be the hardest on our young people. For two weeks they have most likely had a more lax sleep schedule, with later bedtimes and mornings spent sleeping in. They may have even been lucky enough to catch some zzzzzzs throughout the day when they were feeling the effects of those late nights. The return to school means their young bodies and brains will be experiencing high levels of exertion for the entirety of the day in classes and social interactions with others. Ample rest is crucial for children and adults to be their best self.

On top of poor sleeping habits, if your household is anything like mine, your recent diet might have included chocolates, candy canes, cookies and on a “good day” maybe mac-n-cheese, crackers and cheese, pizza, or Poptarts. While a diet like this is a welcomed break for busy families, it doesn’t always promote or support mental or physical health or help our kids keep up with the demands of the school day. This is nothing you haven’t heard before, but starting the day with nutrition fuels young brains and bodies. In addition, it is important to encourage the consumption of water. The human body needs to be hydrated to function at its best. Encourage you kids (and yourself) to consume water throughout the day and in their time at home. On a positive note, it’s free!

It is human nature to operate on schedules and routines, which may have went on vacation when your children left school on December 20th.  As those schedules and routines fall back into place, consider consistency. A consistent routine at night before bed can prep the body for a restful sleep. Whether that includes dinner, books, and brushing teeth or practices, dinner, and a tv show try to find consistency. This can be beneficial to your young loved ones in the evening and in the morning. A downfall of our household is getting up too late due to the lack of sleep. Then our mornings are chaotic and emotional. Plan ahead for an early rise, allowing your littles time to complete a daily morning routine. 

Remember, these schedules, routines, and habits are a work in progress in every household. What works for other families may not be what works best for your family. Trust that I am no expert, and if you visited our home you would have plenty of advice to share. Parents, you know your kids and families. Strive to do what is best for them, even when it is difficult, because you matter in every way, every day to them.