Parent Tips: Back-to-School
If your summer was like mine, it flew by at a ridiculous rate. Maybe it’s because we wait all year for it to arrive, or maybe it’s because we had so much fun. Either way, the inevitable is upon us and school will be starting soon. Some kids can’t wait for school to start. It’s true, I have a child who lives for school. Other kids wish the summer would never end. I have one of those kids, too. The beginning of the school year is exciting but also a little nerve-racking, for both the kids and the parents. Here are a few tips to help the transition go smoothly for everyone.
Start the schedule early – Getting up for the first day is going to be rough for kids who have slept in all summer. About two weeks before school starts, get them back into their schedule. Start putting your kids to bed at their normal time and naturally they will start getting up earlier. No one wants to teach tired and whiny kids.
Make plans to see friends – One of the hardest parts for kids is feeling unsure about their friends. If they have a chance to see them and hang out before school starts, it will make the transition that much easier. If possible, get a copy of the class list so you can schedule play dates with kids you know will be in your child’s class.
School supply shopping – My kids love to go shopping for school supplies. Make this a fun trip for them each year. Let them pick out their own stuff and they will be that much more excited to show it all off on the first day.
After-school activities – Whether it’s sports, drama club, yearbook or the school play, get your kids involved in something outside of the classroom that they will be looking forward to.
Organized scheduling – Create a family calendar so that everyone can stay on track with what is happening each day during and after school. We use the Cozi app and love it!
Talk it out! – Keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about what they can expect on the first day. Ask them how they are feeling.
Tour the school – If your child is going into a new school, it helps for them to take a tour and see what everything looks like. Most teachers have orientation, especially for little ones.
Meet the teacher – If your child is one of the more anxious types, see if you can set up a meeting so they can meet the teacher face-to-face.
Plan lunches – Take your kids to the grocery store with you and let them pick out things they would like in their lunch box (healthy choices, of course). Kids are happier when they are able to participate.
Breathe – It’s been a long and fun summer. Now the kids are heading back to school and hopefully you have the chance to just breathe. Take a day off, head out on the paddle board, make a massage appointment or just grab a book and sit in the beach chair while the weather is still amazing. After all, you’ve earned it!
