6 Tips For Back To School
The transition from summer vacation to back to school can be difficult. The days of sleeping in and not worrying about sticking to a schedule end all too abruptly. This can add stress in the lives of kids and parents too. With some preplanning, strategies to make the transition smoother will result in a better school year both socially and academically. Here are the top six tips to get your school year off to a great start.
1. Ease Into New Routines
About a week ahead of the opening day of school, start reestablishing bedtime and mealtime routines that are more consistent with the school year. Turn off the TV and electronics a little earlier each night and set the alarm for a little earlier each morning. Summer schedules for mealtimes tend to be more relaxed with an “anything goes” approach. Make stricter guidelines for mealtimes.
2. Get School Clothes Ready
The end of summer is a great time to go through closets and drawers and weed out clothes that no longer fit. Consider having a yard sale or giving them to thrift stores likeGood Will. This could help someone else that may be looking for school clothes in the sizes you don’t need anymore. Use the money for new clothes and school supplies. Only buy a few new things at a time. It will still be warm enough for summer clothes, and they are usually on sale at the end of the season.
3. Visit the School
Virtually all schools have a meet-the-teacher or open house night. Make attending a priority especially for younger students or those going to a new school. Meeting the teacher can ease first day jitters. Tour the school with your child so that she becomes familiar with the environment. This is a good time to pick up your child’s school supply list.
4. School Supply Shopping
It is best not to try to beat the back-to-school shopping crowd and buy supplies ahead of time. Often parents who try this end up buying something not on the list or missing an item that is. Pick out a good sturdy backpack. Consider a rolling one if they are allowed. This eases the weight of heavy bookbags on a child’s back.
5. Schedule Doctor Visits
Schedule doctor and dentist visits before school begins. It will be much less stressful than interrupting the school day for an appointment. This will give you a chance to address any concerns about developmental issues and to troubleshoot problems like vision and hearing. Find out what immunizations are required and use this time to get them and/or needed documentation.
6. Set Up a Homework Center
Set up a quiet area in the house away from distractions for homework. This is a good place to post a calendar for listing school events and deadlines. Place the area for younger children near the kitchen or family room to make it easier for parent monitoring. Establish a routine for completing homework.
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