The start of the school year can be a very difficult time for parents and children. Most of the stress can be eliminated if parents and children establish a plan have rules and regarding school days and the weekend. Children welcome rules, especially when they are fair and consistent. Involve your child in establishing these rules. You will be glad you did.
The first day of school can be as successful as the last. Parents should remember that every year is a different stage of learning for their child. Every year should be approached differently because of age, maturity of your child, expectations of the grade level, and teachers.
Preschool children have different worries than children starting middle school and high school. Parents should have a conversation with their children to discuss and address the worries to set their child at ease. Children do better in school when they do not have to worry about their home environment. Parents should create a stable, loving and supportive home environment. An environment that the child comes home to everyday.
Back to school tips
1. Students must get back in the attitude of school: If a child has been engaged in learning activities, summer reading, volunteering, having chores, and taking part in cultural events and activities; they are better prepared for the start of school. Keep your child active during the summer and even during breaks from school will keep them engaged, busy and excited about learning and school. Playing all summer and during the breaks is not a good idea. Parents should have a well thought out plan for engaging their child when they are out of school.
2. Take advantage of tax-free shopping where available: Save the date for this time of year if your stat offers a tax-free holiday. Parents can save on back to school shopping.
3. School has a routine, children love daily routine: Children can start that routine several weeks before school starts and several days before school starts during a break. Parents should get their child an alarm clock and teach them how to set the clock. Children are never to young to start learning how to tell time and having a watch to learn telling time. Parents and children should make a plan. What happens nightly after dinner and homework? What is a good time for bedtime? Preparing for the next day of school is very important. Deciding on clothes that will be worn for the next day or the week. Getting the clothes out and making sure they are ready in the morning. Preparation will eliminate stress and uncertainty in the morning. What is for breakfast during the week?
4. School accessories: The backpack is an important accessory that your child will purchase and have during the year. Parents should spend a little extra to get a good backpack or a backpack on wheels. The backpack that your child carries can get very heavy with books. The backpack on wheels maybe a better investment.
5. The Lunch decision: Big decision, if your child is taking their lunch, get their input into how they want to take their lunch. Lunch bag or lunch box. Will they decide to buy lunch at school? Schools post their lunch menu weeks ahead so parents can decide ahead if they are going to take or buy lunch. These are very important decisions that can be made weekly and they will open the door to communication between parent and child. Decision making is a great learning experience for your child. If they take lunch, that can help you do the shopping for their lunch. Preparing the lunch the night before is a great idea and will help get the morning and school day off to a great start.
Parents should always stress the importance of school and the importance of learning, planning, organization and preparation. If during the year, things need to change to accommodate a change in schedule and maturity of your child, sit down and have that conversation. Children first.
Source:
http://www.pbs.org
wwwsheknows.org
Comments