Back to school can be a stressful time in any home, but if you’re a travel nurse and your travel nursing assignment will see you gone for the first week, month or longer at the beginning of the school year, you may be especially concerned. Fear not, however; there are ways you can prep your family to make it through the early part of the school year even while you’re gone.
Follow this guide and your children will make the most of those first couple of weeks of school while you’re excelling at your latest travel assignment.
* Establish the sleep pattern before you leave. Yes, you won’t be considered cool for forcing your kids to go to bed earlier on non-school nights, but a proper sleep pattern is vital to school success and changing things up cold turkey is hard. Get them to bed earlier now and they’ll carry the routine through while you’re gone.
* Communicate with the children’s guardian. Whether it’s a spouse or grandparent, take the time to hammer out a strategy with the person who will watch the children while you’re gone. Be sure all their questions are answered, and take time to plan and collect the supplies they need before you leave. The more you can make their life easier, the better.
* Shop for final supplies together. Spend some quality time together and grab those last-minute materials your student will need for school. Just remember to allow your children to make their own choices when possible. Add a fun outfit and the trip will seem like a treat.
* Send a note to your child’s teacher. Mid-term is too late to learn your child is struggling in a certain subject. Write a personal note or send an email to let your child’s teacher know you’d appreciate regular feedback and updates on their progress.
* Keep in touch. Connecting with your family is one of the best parts of the travel experience, but it’s especially vital during the school year. Set up a time to visit with your family each day — evening is ideal, as mornings can be hectic — and then hold to it. Use these connections as a chance to discuss the school day and offer help where you can. You’ll be amazed at the impact your constant presence has on your children’s early school weeks, no matter where you are.