Back to School in 5 Steps

Getting back into the swing of school routines can be stressful for both parents and children. Planning in advance can alleviate some of that stress and help to get the school year off to a great start.

1. Set a Routine:

When it comes to waking up in the morning, children need to know that the time set is firm and a non-negotiable. This means that consequence for waking up later have already been discussed and determined. You can help prepare your child for school hours by having them go to bed a little earlier during the first week or two of classes.

The beginning of school also means reestablishing the time limits for the television, computer and telephone. It may be hard at the beginning but if you stick to the routine you set you’ll save yourself hours of arguments later on in the year.

2. Get your Workspace in Gear:

Getting the year off to a good start requires getting organized. It’s hard to think in clutter, so help your child clear up their work space. Homework won’t seem as daunting to them if they know exactly where they can find all of the materials they need (e.g. sharpened pencils, markers, dictionary etc.). Your children will be more likely to want to get their homework done when their workspace is appealing and place they can take pride in.

As children get older, make sure that their workspace grows with them. Chairs and desks need to be at the proper height to avoid back and neck pain issues. It’s also important to ensure that the workspace is well-lit so as to avoid eye-strain.

3. It's a date:

Our lives have become busier than ever, so it’s important to keep your schedule in order. Though you might use a smartphone with a calendar, post a family calendar in the kitchen or another area that the entire family can see it. Show your child how to keep track of appointments by using their school agenda.

4. Be Prepared:

Having your child decide what to wear the morning of school can sometimes be the most stressful part of the day. Cut down on tantrums by having your child pick out their clothing the night before. Make sure they’ve chosen everything down to their socks, underwear, shoes, and even hair accessories.

Get your child to pack their schoolbag the night before. Not only will it cut down on last minute rushing, but it will give them the opportunity to double check that all of their work as been completed and permission forms and agendas were signed.

Having your child pack their own lunch the night before, is a great way to foster independence and short-term planning skills. With younger children help them pack a nutritious lunch by laying out their choices first (apple, banana or orange, cheese or tuna etc.).

5. Stay Positive:

The start of a new school year can bring about a variety of emotions in your child. Help to alleviate some of their back to school worries by emphasizing the positives. You can get them excited for the start of the school year by taking them shopping for their school supplies or first day back outfit. Talk to your child about what they are expecting the new year to be like. If they are worried about social interactions, try imparting your knowledge of great conversation openers, you may find role-playing to be effective as well. If your child is worried about succeeding academically, help them compile a list of goals for the year and then discuss the ways in which they can work towards achieving them. If you have worries yourself, try to keep them private. Remember, you are your child’s greatest cheerleader. Helping them recognize their strengths will provide them with the confidence they need to make their school year a true success.