As the summer fades away, another school year begins! Transitioning from the fun, laid-back days of summer to the structure of school can be tough for both kids and parents. Here are some helpful tips to help your child feel ready and excited for the first day, calm any nerves, and get organized for an awesome year of learning and growth.
Preparing Emotionally for the First Day
For most kids, the first day of school is a mix of excitement and nerves. To help your child feel more confident, plan to visit the school before their first day. Taking a tour, finding their new classroom, and meeting their new teacher will help them release some of those first-day jitters.
To help your child feel more prepared and excited about starting school, you can read picture books like “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn and “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst. Older kids might enjoy Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones books or “Frindle” by Andrew Clements. Role-playing tricky school scenarios with your child and offering some of your own experiences can also help them settle into the idea of a new school year.
Calming Anxiety
Remind your kids that it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about returning to school. They aren’t the only ones in their class to feel this way! To calm their fears, keep an open line of communication where they know they ask questions and talk about their feelings.
Creating a predictable routine can do wonders to help reduce anxiety. One or two weeks before school starts is a good time to switch back to a consistent bedtime. Encourage calming evening activities, such as reading or listening to music, to help them wind down.
Managing Mornings
Head off those hectic mornings with a little planning. Start by creating a morning routine that includes plenty of time for breakfast, getting dressed and other tasks. The night before, encourage your child to lay out their outfit, pack a lunch, and get their backpack ready to go.
For younger kids, a visual schedule can help them stay on track! Use pictures to outline the steps of their morning routine, such as brushing their teeth, eating breakfast and putting on shoes. This not only helps them accomplish tasks but helps them gain a sense of independence.
Getting Organized
One of the keys to a successful school year is getting organized. Before the school year starts, take your child shopping for any school supplies, a backpack, water bottles and school clothes. Can you dedicate a drop-off space in the home for their school supplies? You can purchase some folders or binders to keep track of assignments and important papers, and a calendar to keep track of upcoming projects or important dates.
For older children, learning time management is a skill that takes practice. You can help them develop a weekly schedule with time for schoolwork, extracurriculars and family time. Encourage them to set realistic goals and to use checklists to stay on track.
Handling Homework
As the school year moves along, homework can be a source of stress for both children and parents. To ease this burden, encourage your kids to use a dedicated homework space that is quiet, well-lit and free from distractions. If you sense your child is getting overly frustrated, encourage them to take short breaks. You can offer support and guidance, while still allowing them to take ownership of their work. This is a great time for your kids to learn how to break down larger projects into small, manageable tasks.
As the new school year approaches, taking steps to help your kids prepare for all the challenges ahead can make the transition smoother for the whole family. By creating a supportive and predictable home environment, you can help your child start the school year strong!
