The start of school
Can you believe that’s already August? Depending on where you live, your kids are going back to school in the next few days or not until after Labor Day (the case in NYC). No matter the school start date, preparing your kids is important to help them transition from summer to school.
In the summer most parents relax the screen rules, let their kids stay past bedtime and don’t harp on reading. My school had required reading every summer and I always left the three books until the last few weeks of summer to read. It’s amazing that I got the reading done in time.
So, before you pull your hair out try these tips…
1. According to Scholastic, you should set intentions with your child for the upcoming school year (and one should be a passion project for the child to complete)
2. Also, according to scholastic back to school shopping in important for supplies, but clothes too. Have your child pick out a first day outfit.
3. “A sleepy child equals a grumpy child, and you don’t want a groggy, exhausted child on the first day of school. If your child is used to going to bed late and waking up late, start adjusting his sleep schedule a few weeks before the first day of school. Move bedtime up by 15 minutes each day until your child is able to wake up at the desired time in the morning.” — MomBrite
4. Also, from MomBrite, for elementary school age children, use a countdown calendar to get them excited.
By the time your child hits high school they’re in old pro and don’t need much prepping help from you. However, for your child’s very first day of school ever, there are some things to do that will help you avoid tears, leg clinging and running from the classroom.
1. Visit the school in the summer
2. Try to connect with other families to make friends before the first day
3. If you child will be taking lunch, put in a note of encouragement.
4. Read books about the first day of school
5. If possible meet your child’s teacher before the first day.
My daughter’s pre-K teachers came to the house to meet us and play with Sylvie to make sure she was comfortable with them. This made day one so much easier for Sylvie and me— no tears.
My daughter starts her senior year after Labor Day, so my days of needing these tips are long over. I can still remember walking her to kindergarten and the rest of elementary school for that matter. These walks provided a time to talk. My last tip, make the time getting to school if youe child doesn’t rid a bus” as meaningful as possible. My father walked me to elementary school, and those walks were special to me. I hope Sylvie views are walks as special too.
Check out my Back-to-School workshop on Sunday, August 21st at 11 AM. You’ll learn how to get your kids to love doing their homework, adjust screen rules and create a trail mix station for healthy snacking.