Back to school season is a busy, but exciting time. The key to managing the busyness and stress of the school season is to be prepared and stay prepared. We were all once in school so we understand what is required. Ensure that your child is set up to maximize success.
Here are some back-to-school tips for parents:
1. Have a Routine
It may be best to incorporate a routine. Do the same thing every morning at the same time. This helps the kids to remember what to do every morning. It helps them stay on track. You don’t want them going to school without brushing their teeth because they forgot. A routine helps to stick in everyone's brain to ensure completion. You could also make a chart or list to make it more interactive and fun! Also, this includes a bedtime routine. There are things that need to be done before every child goes to bed.
2. After-School Activities
We recommend incorporating after school activities or sports. Chess club, basketball, theatre… there are so many opportunities! Research shows that students that attend after school programs go to school more and show improved behaviors.
3. Zip, Button, Tie
Make sure your child can zip up their clothes, button their clothes and tie their shoes. This is specifically for very young children. A lot of them do not know how to tie their shoes and don’t know the potential risk when walking around with untied shoes. Teach them to have their clothes on correctly.
4. Know your Child’s School Friends
Having friends makes school more enjoyable. They can help eliminate worries and make each day go smoother. It’s important to know who your child spends the most time with because they may start to become like them. It’s also important in the event that a parent notices changes in mood or expressions. A parent can go to their friend and say “hey, what’s up with so and so.” Friends are people that children can ride the bus with, do homework with, walk home with, etc.
5. Promote Organization
Encourage children to stay organized. This is a skill that they will use for the rest of their life, so it is best to teach it early. When they get unorganized it can be easier for them to forget about assignments and lose things, and that is the worst.
6. Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem
Kids can be mean so they have to be strong. Imagine if a child calls your kid ugly, but they heard a parent call them beautiful that same day, and every other day as well. They are less likely to be bothered by that comment than someone who never hears encouragement from a parent. Building self-esteem should be an everyday thing.
7. Ensure Healthy Eating
Students learn better when they are well nourished. This means fruits and vegetables should be in their meals. Healthy eating has been proven to improve memory and mood. The benefits are major and undeniable.
8. Talk
“How was your day?” “What happened at school today?” “What did you eat for lunch?” “Who did you play with at recess?” “Does Sarah still like Justin?” Talk to your children throughout the entire school year. Stay up to date. You may be surprised by some things that they say.
9. Purchase Extra Supplies
Kid: “I need pencils for school.”
Parent: “Didn’t I buy you a huge pack of pencils at the beginning of the school year?”
Kid: “Yes”
Parent: “Where are they?”
Kids: “I don’t know. All gone.”
This conversation is likely to happen. There tends to be a black hole inside backpacks that things get lost in. Buy extra supplies so when they run out of something, you already have it.
We hope these tips add a sense of ease to the school year. In the comments here or on the Instagram post about the blog, share some tips that you recommend.
Have a great school year!