As the sun sets on the summer holidays, a return to the daily grind of school and work can feel a little overwhelming, especially for families with kids. But thanks to a winning combination of planning and a positive mindset, this time of year can transform into a period of renewed balance, with a focus on the well-being of you and your family.

Here are ten practical tips to make the back-to-school transition smoother, while also helping you to discover how Novotel can help make this period more enjoyable for every family member.

1. Start preparing in advance

Get a head start on preparing for the back-to-school season, for a pain-free transition. For example, slowly shift bedtime and wake-up times to align with the upcoming school term. This will help their bodies to adapt to an earlier alarm and allow them to feel well-rested and excited for the new term ahead.

2. Create a routine

Routine is a key element in going from holiday mode to school mode. Establishing a daily schedule for meals, homework, and their hobbies will facilitate a sense of security for your kids. It also helps to teach them organisational skills. 

3. Carve out family time 

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily rush of homework, sports games and the work commute. That’s why it’s important to plan some family time, such as a film night or a weekend wood walk, that everyone can enjoy. This will provide an opportunity to check in with each other as a family, to prioritise everyone’s well-being, and celebrate any achievements.

4. Make school supplies fun

Encourage your kids – yes, even the grumpy teenager – to play an active role in getting their school stuff ready. After all, they will be spending a lot of time with their backpack, notebooks and pens, and therefore you want them to feel as personalised as possible. Plus, by creating some excitement around these potentially mundane items, the return to school can feel less daunting. 

5. Visit Novotel for a family getaway

To make the back-to-school transition as smooth as possible, why not reserve a family getaway at Novotel? With our inclusive range of family offers, including comfortable accommodations and kid-friendly amenities, Novotel is an ideal spot to relax and regroup before school starts back up. Explore our family offers here. 

6. Practice self-care

With all the focus on taking care of the mini-me’s, be sure to take care of yourself. Ensuring that you get enough rest, eat well, and make time for activities that bring you pleasure will help stay calm amidst the chaos. Novotel’s spa breaks have been designed with you in mind and offer a welcome opportunity to relax and reset while your kids are entertained with various activities.

7. Plan healthy meals

Preparing healthy meals ahead of time can save you time and therefore, keep the stress levels low. Plan a weekly menu and involve your kids in meal prep. What will comfort them after a long day of exams or give them an energy boost after a sports match? The weekends can be dedicated to making brunch together, allowing for some creative time in the kitchen as a family. Feel inspired by the delicious but healthy Novotel breakfast options. 

8. Establish a homework routine

Homework can easily feel like a chore, even for the most-loved school subjects, so why not create a dedicated space for your kids to do their homework? This will help them to focus and be more productive. Again, establishing a consistent routine will make working on their assignments just another part of their day, instead of something to worry about. It’s also a great lesson in concentration and time management for them! 

9. Encourage open communication

Open a discussion with your kids about the changes and challenges that may come with going back to school. On the one hand, it’s a great opportunity to make new friends and meet new teachers but on the other hand, they might have some anxiety about new faces and academic challenges. Gently encourage them to share their feelings and concerns, and show them that you are there to provide reassurance and support. 

10. Celebrate the transition

Mark the return to school with a small celebration or a special treat. Whether it’s a fun family activity or a new school item, celebrating something scary or challenging will make things less stressful.

Why Novotel is Your Ideal Family Retreat

Novotel is proud to offer a range of amenities, services and activities that cater to families. You will find spacious rooms and family-friendly facilities, as well as relaxing spa services and fun activities for children. It’s everything you need for a stress-free hotel stay.

We hope that our tips will give you some ideas for a smooth transition from summer to school. Here’s to a successful and enjoyable start to the new school year!