BACK TO SCHOOL
by Shelly Lock, Program Development Coordinator
As summer winds down we begin to think about the upcoming school year. This brings excitement, fear, anxiousness, and other feelings, not just for our children, but also for parents. As parents, you may feel relieved that your child will be on a more structured schedule or may feel sad that the extra time together will be more limited. Students may feel excited to see their friends but nervous about an unknown new teacher, classroom, or maybe a new school.
There are things that families can do to ease the transition back into school. As parents get involved in school, it feels more comfortable for everyone. Involved parents get to know staff and realize their concern for the children, understand expectations more clearly, and can better support learning at home. Children perceive the comfort of their parents and likewise feel more comfortable with their school. So, what can you do to get involved and build a partnership with the school and increased comfort level?
- Provide information (verbally or written) that will help the teacher get to know your child.
- Offer to help by signing up to donate items or volunteer our time.
- Ask the teacher about expectations and rules for the classroom.
- Ask the teacher about types of homework and the amount that can be expected.
- Find out what you can do to support learning at home.
- Ask about the best way and time to contact the teacher.
- Make school a priority in your home, provide time and a place for homework, go through your child’s backpack together, and talk about the school day.
- Visit the school prior to the first day, especially if your child will be transitioning to a new school.
Families may also experience increased stress in the mornings and evenings during the school year. Here are a few tips to help deal with meeting all of the demands of the school experience.
- Have backpacks organized and packed the night before with completed homework and anything that needs to go to school the next day.
- Lay clothes out the night before for the next school day.
- Plan for a healthy breakfast and lunch (if you pack lunch). Take time to grocery shop on the weekends and have quick, healthy options available.
- Set a bedtime for the school year and stick to it! Getting enough sleep can help everyone better deal with a busy schedule.
- Start the day off on a positive note with your child: give your child a smile, goodbye and a hug as he/she leaves in the morning. This positive energy will carry over into your child’s school day.
- Establish a set time and place for your child to do homework daily.
- Stick to a routine as a family. This feels more comfortable to children as they know what to expect.
- Protect time in your schedule each evening to talk to your child about his or her school day, help with homework if necessary, and go through school papers. This will show your child how important school is!
With a positive attitude, effort to ease the transition into a new school year, and continued focus on partnering with the school, you and your child will have a great school year!
The Parent Page is prepared by Practical Parenting Partnerships for distribution by schools to family and community members.
