Back to School Season: Tips from Children’s Council Staff 

As the new school year approaches, families across the Children’s Council community are navigating a familiar set of priorities: staying organized, managing costs and easing the transition back into the school routine. At Children’s Council, we understand this season well through our work supporting families and through our own experiences at home.  

We asked our staff to share what’s helped them prepare for the back-to-school season. 

“A few days before school starts, we gradually get the kids to bed earlier to help them adjust their sleep schedule. It makes that first week of school much easier for everyone.

We also take the kids grocery shopping with us so they can pick out the breakfast foods and snacks they want for the week. Then, together we create a simple breakfast and lunch menu. It saves us from having to decide what they’re eating every morning and makes our mornings much less stressful. “

Laura Ma, Director of HR & Training

“When my daughter was in school, one of the most important lessons our family learned was to practice compassion and remember that every child is an individual learner. No two children learn in exactly the same way, and each child develops at their own pace. To encourage her through challenges, we created a family saying that became our reminder whenever learning felt difficult: “Patience, Persistence and Perseverance.” We would repeat these words often to remind ourselves that learning is a process and that growth comes one step at a time. 

Movement was also an important part of helping her learn. Taking short movement breaks, such as jumping on the trampoline, helped her regulate her body, refocus and return to learning with renewed energy. “

Saeda Fuller, Developmental Playgroup Coach

“As you get back into your school routine, make your life easier by planning quick and healthy breakfasts. Get all the work done the night before by making slow cooker oatmeal, or prep vegetables in advance so you can throw together fresh veggie scramble wraps in under 15 minutes. Our Healthy Apple Program reminds us to add variety to the menu. Make that easy by rotating different seasonal fruits and veggies into these recipes. For more recipe ideas, visit eatFresh.org.”

Raegan Sales, Healthy Apple Program Lead

Families can also take advantage of two upcoming back-to school events. Head to Mission Bart Plaza on August 15 from 11am-4pm for the Back-to-School Resource Fair, featuring community resources, family-friendly activities and giveaways to help students and families get ready for the new school year. Then, on August 22 from 12-4pm, check out the African American Art and Culture Complex’s Back to School Book Fair for some free books to kick of the school year with a good read.

Here’s to a smooth, well-prepared start to the new year!