Getting a new school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. The transition from August to September can be difficult for both children and parents. Even children who are eager to return to class must adjust to the greater levels of activity, structure, and, for some, pressures associated with school. Parents can help their children manage the increased pace of life by planning ahead, being realistic, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Before school starts, schedule a doctor’s appointment to be sure your child is in good physical and mental health. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps and extracurricular activities.
Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.
Make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school night. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations.
Try to get school supplies as early as possible and fill your child’s backpack a week or two before school starts. Older children can help, but make sure they use a checklist that you can review. Some teachers require specific supplies, so save receipts for items that you may need to return later.
Plan to re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines at least one week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with her about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.
If possible, postpone business trips, volunteer meetings, and extra projects. You want to be free to help your child acclimate to the school routine and overcome the confusion or anxiety that many children experience at the start of a new school year.
Make lunches the night before school. Older children should help or make their own. Give them the option to buy lunch in school if they prefer.
Review your child’s schoolbooks. Talk about what he will be learning during the year. Share your enthusiasm for the subjects and your confidence in your child’s ability to master the content. Reinforce the natural progression of the learning process that occurs over the school year. Learning skills take time and repetition. Encourage your child to be patient, attentive, and positive.
Send a brief note to your child’s teacher, letting him/her know that you are interested in getting regular feedback on how and what your child is doing in school. Be sure to attend back-to-school night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Find out how they like to communicate with parents.
Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let him know that it’s natural to be a little nervous when starting something new but that he will be just fine once he becomes familiar with classmates, the teacher, and school routines.
