Healthy KidsYMCA Child Care

3 back-to-school tips for busy parents

29 August 2019 - by Dawn Yan
September is right around the corner, which means your kids are likely headed back to school in the coming weeks. Between trying to arrange Before and After School Care for your children, figuring out which family member does pick-up and drop-offs, and registering them in children’s programs at your local Health and Fitness Centre, back to school season isn’t always a breeze.

Luckily, we’ve got some pointers to help your family transition smoothly into the new school year:

1. Adjust your kids’ sleeping schedule a few days ahead

teddy bear sitting in bedDon’t wait for the night before school begins to negotiate a new bed time with your kids! According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, children should be getting 8 – 11 hours of sleep every night, depending on their age. You can’t make school start any later in the morning (unfortunately), so you’ll likely need to get the kids to bed earlier. While the first few nights might be a bit of an adjustment for your child, by the first day of school, they’ll be well adapted to their new schedule (and you’ll probably get more sleep too!).

2. Take advantage of a Before and After School Program

School Age children at their YMCA Child Care CentreDriving in rush hour is stressful enough as it is, not to mention a tight schedule, highway closures, meetings that run overtime, and unpredictable weather. Before & After School Programs at the Y give you more time to get to and from the office safely. While you sit bumper to bumper, our educators will care for your kids in a safe and healthy environment conveniently located in your neighbourhood.

At our Before & After School Programs, kids will get:

  • At least 45 minutes of physical activity every day

  • Opportunities for homework assistance, if needed

  • A chance to develop leadership skills and expand their social circle

  • To follow along with our YMCA Playing to Learn™ Curriculum (ages 4 – 5) or YMCA A Place to Connect™ Curriculum (ages 6 – 12)

  • Build lifelong friendships with other kids at the Y


3. Source a family-friendly scheduling tool that everyone enjoys 

Grandmother and daughter playing on tabletHelp every member of your family stay organized this school year by finding a family-friendly scheduling tool that works for everyone. Whether you choose to make a DIY Family Wall calendar at home or download one of these handy organization apps on your phone/tablet, there’s countless ways to ensure that your family stays organized and in the loop this school year!

Interested in registering your child in a Before & After School program for the 2019-2020 school year? Inquire about our Before & After School Programs at the Y today to learn more about availability, program fees, or to schedule a tour at a centre near you.

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