The old saying “time flies” always hits hardest around this time of the year. It feels as if the world has just gotten into the swing of summer and suddenly school is starting again.
School is not only a place of learning for children but also a place for socializing and enjoyment. So, while the anticipation of returning to school after a long break may excite some, it may not excite others. Getting our children and ourselves ready for back to school is not always an easy task. If parents are calm, helpful, and comforting, their children will feel confident and capable of acclimating to the school routine and overcoming the confusion or anxiety they may experience at the start of a new school year.
Here are a few ideas that can help to ease that transition as much as possible.
- Create a family calendar for all to see with everyone's events marked: scout meetings, sports practices, volunteer duties, and extracurricular activities. Fill it in completely. Clear communication helps cut down on family chaos.
- Mark the calendar with important dates like holidays and special events.
- Go through your child's closet to determine clothing needs. Make a list of necessities.
- Buy school supplies early. Get the supplies as soon as possible and fill backpacks a week or two before school starts. Make a list before you go of things your child absolutely needs and wait to buy things you aren’t sure of.
- Two weeks before school, re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. It's better to ease children into the change than to have a painful withdrawal!
- Select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. This is often for your sanity as well as for your child's. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see.
- Prepare a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.
- Stock up on lunch and snack essentials! If possible, prepare snacks and lunches the night before to ease the morning routine.
- Talk to your child(ren). Ask them how they feel and listen to what they have to say. Keep in mind that anxiety in most people is based on cognitive dissonance - the inability of the human mind to comfortably hold two conflicting thoughts.
And When School Starts …
Once school begins set up a time when you can learn about their day, ask open-ended questions, and make sure there are no distractions during the dialogue. Who did they sit with at lunch, play with at recess, school specials (art, gym, music..), and what is the classroom routine like? Share your enthusiasm about the year ahead.
Communicate with your child's teacher in person or by sending a note. Teachers love to hear from supportive parents. Let them know you would like feedback on how your child is doing. Be sure to attend Back-to-School Night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Find out what their preferred method of communication with parents is (notes, e-mail, or phone calls). Let them know you want to help and support them during the year.
Back to school brings hundreds of new experiences, including new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms, and it’s natural for children and parents to be apprehensive about getting back to the grind. With some preparation, your family can ease into the new routine. Moreover, try to keep that first week of school simple. Keep some of the summer fun alive and give enough downtime. Plan at least one activity for the first week of school and be present as much as possible. Your presence is the most important thing to give.
(Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats! She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.)
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