Whether we want to admit it or not, summer is coming to an end and it’s time to start thinking about our kids going back to school. No matter if it’s your first time having a child enter school, or like me, you have done this for years and years…. No one can argue, it’s a hard transition to make. Summer is a time that is filled with looser schedules, fun outdoor activities, family fun and is overall less rigid. As much as we all want to embrace these last days of summer, it’s important to set ourselves and more importantly our children up for success when starting the school year. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Get into the routine: Start ahead of time going to bed and waking up earlier, choosing clothes and packing lunch the night before, maybe even spend some time reading as a family in the evening to get back into the routine of potential homework. Younger children can benefit from a visual schedule that shows them completing specific tasks and they can remove each one (Velcro) as they complete it.
Show excitement: Children can sense our emotions and a new school year can bring on some strong emotions, whether you’re sending your child to kindergarten for the first time or off to college. Children and parents alike struggle with separation anxiety. Reassure your child that you always come back and make sure they know what the plan is each day before/after school even it if seems obvious or repetitive.
Keep an open dialogue: fears, worries, concerns and uncertainties are all normal for both children and parents when approaching something new. Ask your child what things they may be worried about or wondering about and discuss strategies that they could use. Assure them and instill the confidence they need to face their fears by talking about past experiences where they were nervous or scared and they made it though.
Connect with the school/teachers: making early contact can be a way to ease anxiety and form meaningful connections. You and your child can share any uneasiness you may be feeling and get reassurance that everyone is feeling this way (even the teacher) and discuss how it is normal. Visit the school to familiarize yourself and your child with where their classroom is along with bathrooms, locker/cubbies, and any other areas they may need to find. A scavenger hunt is a great way to make this a fun activity.
Connect with peers: It’s always nice to have familiar faces on your first day, ask neighbors and friends to find out what classes their children are in and create time and space for the children to connect or reconnect, so they have someone they feel comfortable with to ride the bus or walk into school with.
Paperwork: Be sure to plan for time to fill out paperwork, updating contact information, transportation plans, medical forms, allergies, etc. This can be a time-consuming piece of back-to-school preparation and can take away from the time you want to spend with your child in those days before school starts.
Check in and Celebrate: Even after school starts, it’s important to check in and see how things are going and even more importantly, CELEBRATE the successes of starting something new and all the hard work you both put into it to make it successful!
I have three kids and have come a long way, from literally considering taking a job at the school to stay with my kindergartener, to sending her off to college in NYC; it is a challenge each year and the more prepared you and your child can be, the smoother the transition! Don’t forget to allow yourself some grace when things don’t go perfectly, it’s how we learn, and it makes for a great story or memory!