Switching from holiday activities to rules, homework, and routines can be a big jump for parents and children alike. But with a little preparation and the right attitude, it doesn’t have to be so hard.
1. Lay the Groundwork
Establishing daily routines at home at the start of the school year (or even before) can also help children adjust. Creating a checklist or flowchart to help children get organized and stay on schedule will help them feel in charge and that [getting ready is] their responsibility.
2. Ease Anxieties
Children are getting themselves ready for a lot of newness: new teachers, classmates, tasks, and challenges. It’s normal for a child to have a little flutter of anxiety about going back to school.
Helping children feel prepared for school also eases their anxieties. Make sure your child knows how to get to and from school safely. Talk over any issues she’s concerned about, such as bullies or cliques.
3. Meet School Staff
It’s best to make an appointment for you and your child to meet the principal, your child’s teachers, and even the school counselor before school starts. Help the teachers connect with your child by mentioning any interests or hobbies. Also inform the teachers about your child’s physical and mental condition and any changes that may affect your child’s behavior.
4. Stock up on school supplies.
Besides buying the supplies on the list provided by your child’s teacher, get extras of items your child is likely to misplace. Think about the items your child may need while doing homework and keep them in a central location.
5. Learn About the Curriculum
Help your child do her best by understanding what she is expected to learn in her grade level and look for ways to help your child develop academic skills at home. Get a copy of the school’s guidelines and go over them with your child. Make sure she understands all the rules she’ll be expected to follow.
6. Get Involved
Spending time just hanging out with the children before the start of the school year helps with transition. A parent’s simple presence is comforting and soothing to children and gives them the opportunity to talk if they want to. Also talk with your child about extracurricular activities. Select fun activities that teach new skills, but avoid over scheduling your family or your child. After that, create a master family schedule and add each person’s appointments and activities so none are less important. Just by asking and paying attention you send a message that you think school is very important.
7. Plan Healthy Meals
Keep nutritious food on hand for breakfast or make sure your child eats breakfast at school. Students, who eat breakfast focus better in class, perform better on tests, behave better, and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
Find out how to obtain a copy of the school menu and pack lunch on days the school serves meals your child doesn’t like. If your child packs her own lunch, establish guidelines about what she is allowed to take.
8. Make contact with a parent group
You never know when you might need to call on other parents for help or advice. The PTO or PTA will have lots of information about the school, including nuances and tips that aren’t written down anywhere else.
Source: http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/10799-ease-back-to-school-stress; http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/742-start-the-school-year-right?start=1; http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/764-ready-set-back-to-school
Writer: Aulia Nurdini
Editor: Michael R. Clarke
