As always, August is here before we know it and the children are in disbelief that summer vacation has come and gone so soon! For most parents, the thought of back-to-school preparation can be equally as overwhelming as summer itself!
As summer comes to a close and the new school year approaches, it’s important for parents to start preparing their children for the transition.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you send your children back to school.
- Get back into a routine: After a summer of relaxed schedules and late bedtimes, it’s important to start getting your children back into a school-year routine a few weeks before classes start. This will help them adjust to the early wake-up times and structured days they’ll have when school begins.
- Review school policies and procedures: Before the first day of school, be sure to review the school’s policies and procedures with your children. This includes things like the dress code, the school’s behavior expectations, and the process for contacting teachers or getting help.
- Purchase necessary supplies: Make a list of the school supplies your children will need and start purchasing them well in advance of the first day of school. This will help alleviate any last-minute stress and ensure that your children have everything they need to be successful.
- Talk to your children about their concerns: Starting a new school year can be intimidating for children, especially if they’re starting at a new school or transitioning to a new grade. Take some time to talk to your children about their concerns and reassure them that you’re there to support them.
- Review safety procedures: It’s important for your children to know what to do in case of an emergency. Review the school’s safety procedures with your children, including how to get help if they’re lost, what to do in case of a fire, and how to stay safe on the bus or during recess.
- Stay involved: As your children head back to school, it’s important to stay involved in their education. Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay up-to-date on their assignments and progress, and encourage them to ask for help if they’re struggling.
- Encourage healthy habits: Help your children establish healthy habits for the school year by encouraging them to get enough sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Set goals: Encourage your children to set academic and personal goals for the new school year. This could be getting a certain grade in a particular subject, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities.
- Discuss bullying: Bullying is a serious issue that can have a lasting impact on children. Talk to your children about what to do if they witness or experience bullying, and reassure them that they can always come to you for help.
- Make time for fun: While it’s important for your children to focus on their studies, it’s also important to make time for fun and relaxation. Encourage your children to find activities they enjoy, whether it’s playing sports, joining a club, or spending time with friends.
Sending your children back to school can be a stressful time, but with a little preparation and support, you can help them have a successful and enjoyable school year.
Is your child feeling anxious? Here are some ways to mentally prepare your children for the new school year ahead.
Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating for children. Here are some things parents can do to help mentally prepare their children for back to school:
- Talk to your children about their concerns: Take some time to listen to your children’s thoughts and feelings about starting a new school year. This will help you understand any concerns they may have and give you the opportunity to reassure them.
- Get back into a routine: A few weeks before the start of the school year, start getting your children back into a school-year routine. This can help them adjust to the early wake-up times and structured days they’ll have when school begins.
- Review school policies and procedures: Familiarize your children with the school’s policies and procedures, including the dress code, the school’s behavior expectations, and the process for contacting teachers or getting help.
- Practice school-related skills: Depending on your children’s age and grade level, you may want to review basic skills such as reading, writing, or math to help them feel more prepared for the new school year.
- Encourage positive thinking: Help your children focus on the positive aspects of starting a new school year, such as making new friends, trying new activities, and learning new things.
- Set goals: Encourage your children to set academic and personal goals for the new school year. This can help them feel motivated and give them something to work towards.
- Prepare a comfortable and organized study space: Set up a comfortable and well-lit study space in your home to help your children focus on their studies. This can be a dedicated desk or a quiet corner of a room.
- Discuss bullying: Bullying is a serious issue that can have a lasting impact on children. Talk to your children about what to do if they witness or experience bullying, and reassure them that they can always come to you for help.
- Practice self-care: Encourage your children to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated, to help them stay healthy and focused.
By taking these steps, you can help your children feel more prepared and confident as they start a new school year.
