Backpacks, Bedtimes & Boundaries: Regrouping for School

Summer brings freedom — which is great — until it becomes a barrier to executive functioning and emotional regulation. As school approaches, we help families reestablish rhythms that support attention, behavior, and confidence.

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Three core systems to reset before school starts:

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1. Bedtime and Wake-Up Routines:

Start adjusting 1–2 weeks out. Shift bedtime in 15–30 minute increments, and reintroduce morning expectations: brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast without rushing.

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2. Home Organization Systems:

Where do backpacks live? Where do papers go? What time is screen-free and what time is work time? These predictable structures reduce daily stress and promote independence.

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3. Boundaries That Stick:

Be clear about what’s changing (“We’ll start reading before bed again instead of watching shows”), and hold those boundaries with calm consistency. Kids resist less when they trust the follow-through.

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Want help resetting your family’s systems for the school year? JAM can support you in building home routines that support learning, independence, and a smoother transition back.

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