🍎 Back to School is Here Again! 10 Helpful Tips to Start the Year off Strong
As summer comes to an end and the early mornings begin again, it’s time to help children (and adults!) transition smoothly back into an environment of learning. Whether it’s your child’s first year at a new school, or they are returning to familiar classrooms, starting school again can bring a mixture of emotions and questions. Therefore, here are 10 helpful tips to make the back-to-school season easier for both kids and parents!
1. Start a Routine Early
Start a Routine Early. Gradually adjust your child’s bedtime and wake-up times to match the school day routine at least a week before school starts. This will help kids feel more rested and ready to transition into the first couple of days of school.
2. Talk About What to Expect
Discuss with your kids what school will be like for them: classroom rules, the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, how lunch and recess work, or how to get help from the adults around them. Moreover, for younger children, reading books about starting school can also be a fun way to reassure them for the school year.
3. Visit the School (If Possible)
If the school offers an open house or orientation, take advantage of it. Accordingly, have your child walk their schedule, find their classrooms, and introduce them to staff to help ease their anxiety and boost their confidence.
4. Create a Homework-Friendly Space
Let’s be real-nobody likes homework. It can be hard for children to engage in assignments that do not interest them. Therefore, set up a calm, organized, distraction-free space at home where your child can read and do homework. If it’s in a common room, make sure no one else is turning on the T.V while your child is busy focusing! Stock the space with necessary supplies and limit distractions to help them stay focused and motivated. Bonus: for kids who have ADHD or other cognitive challenges, break up homework time into achievable chunks. Set a timer for 10 minutes of homework then 10 minutes of relaxation time (or snack or playtime). Reward your child for getting back to work and completing their assignments.
5. Practice Independence
Encourage your child to do small tasks on their own, such as packing their backpack the night before, tying their shoes, choosing their outfit for the day, or making their own lunch. This will boost their confidence and help them feel capable of being on their own at school.
6. Re-establish Healthy Habits
Summer often disrupts regular routines. Thus, help your child get back on track with habits that support their health and learning.
🍎 Focus on nutrition by introducing healthier snack options for school lunches. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to make healthy eating more engaging.
💤 Ensure your child gets adequate sleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and limit screen time before sleep to improve sleep quality.
🏀 Encourage regular physical activity. This could be after-school sports, family bike rides, or simply playing in the backyard. Physical activity can boost energy levels and improve focus during school hours..
7. Set Positive Goals Together
Ask your child what they’re looking forward to this school year and help them set a simple goal. For example, making a new friend, improving their grades or knowledge in a specific subject, or joining a club. Celebrate small victories throughout the year that will help build their motivation.
8. Stay Organized
For older children, have them practice using a planner to keep track of assignment due dates. Moreover, use a family calendar to track important activities and events. Helping kids manage their time early on builds strong habits of success for the future school.
9. Talk About Feelings
The start of a new school year can be exciting for some and dreadful for others. Let your child know it’s okay to feel a mix of things. Therefore, listen, reassure, and remind them that these are normal ways to feel and can change every day, but you will always be there for them. If needed, share your own feelings about them going back to school to lead by example!
10. Be Involved, Not Overbearing
Stay connected with teachers when necessary but also give your child space to navigate school independently. Your support behind the scenes is powerful. Remember, this is the time to develop conflict resolution skills, so try and encourage your child to solve their own issues with others by standing up for themselves or getting an adult from school to help them. Although we want to do everything we can for our children, we are unfortunately not with them for 8 hours a day during the school year. A lot happens at school that teaches kids both academic and social skills that are different from the ones they learn at home and on the weekends.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new school year is a big deal for kids and parents alike. With patience, preparation, and encouragement, you can help your child start the school year off strong!
