Preparing for Back to School With Your Kids
Back to school is just around the corner! Your kids might be excited for the new school year, or they might be trying to savor the last few days of summer. Either way, there are a few things that your family can do to prepare for the new school year and make this transition easier for your kids. Preparing for the new school year can help your kids focus on their education and settle into the school year. Learn more here.
Before the School Year Starts
Before the school year starts, you can start preparing your kids to go back. New school supplies and clothes might be in order, especially if your child is starting at a new school. Entering middle school or high school can be overwhelming, and being fully prepared with a nice new outfit and school supplies can put your child’s mind at ease.
Another thing that you can do to prepare for the school year is encourage your kids to get back into the school routine. For some, this means going to bed and waking up earlier, planning their route to school, preparing for extracurriculars, and more. Starting to establish the school routine will make the transition easier.
It is also a good idea to reach out to your kids and ask them how they are feeling about going back to school. Are they excited? Are they nervous? Are they worried about new classes and teachers? Understanding your child’s mindset can help you help them prepare and feel more comfortable. If your child is nervous or scared, exploring why they are having these feelings can help you understand them. This can also help you support your child and make them feel more confident about going back to school.
Once School Starts
Once school starts back up, it might not be smooth sailing, even if you have prepared for the school year. Make sure to check in with your kids about how they are feeling about the new school year. Are they getting along with their friends? Do they like their classes and teachers? Are there any unexpected issues that they are facing? Once again, communicating about these things can help you understand what your children are going through and sort out any problems if necessary.
Children thrive on routine. This is one of the reasons why going back to school can be so difficult for them. Once you establish a school routine, try to stick to it. For example, if you told your child that you would drive them to school each morning, try to stick to this plan so that they know what to expect.
Helping Your Child
Many of us remember the butterflies that come with going back to school each fall. Every year brings something new, and this can be exciting for your kids. However, it can also be nerve wracking. Ultimately, if your child doesn’t feel comfortable, they may act out in school. Their grades may suffer, they might act out in class, or even fight with other classmates. These are common issues that many children face while they are going through school.
Following the tips outlined here can help prevent some of the issues that could crop up in school. However, if your child does face an issue in school, you can contact my office for additional resources.
I have four children myself, and I know how overwhelming back to school can be for both parents and kids. I am happy to help.