by Elaine Mizuo
When you see the ads for the back-to-school sales on TV, you know that summer days are soon coming to a close. Here are some tips to help your child ease into the daily routine of school.
Two weeks before school starts
Establish morning and nightly routines as these give your child much needed security and structure to each day.
• Begin regular relaxed bedtime routines and have your child go to bed the same time each night.
• Begin unhurried morning routines so your child can begin the day with as little conflict as possible.
The day before school starts
Your child may feel anxious, wondering who is in his or her class, who the teacher is, and where the room is. To ease your child’s anxiety,
• Walk or drive your child to the school to see the class postings. Your child will be able to see his/her new room number, the teacher’s name, and the names of the other students in his/her class.
• Point out where your child’s classroom will be.
The night before school starts
Be positive and show your enthusiasm because your child will pick up on your feelings.
• Decide together what your child will wear, and set out the clothes, socks, and shoes. This will save time in the morning.
• If your child will be taking school supplies or a lunch, have those packed and ready to go.
• If your young child is still prone to accidents, pack spare underwear and pants in a Ziploc and put it in your child’s backpack.
• See that your child goes to bed on time so he/she is well rested and so your morning is not rushed.
• Tuck a little surprise note or photo into your child’s backpack or pocket. If your child takes a lunch from home, write the note on a napkin and put it with your child’s lunch.
The first day of school
If your child complains of a “tummy ache,” it may be a sign that you child is feeling nervous or anxious, which is common.
• Whether breakfast is eaten at school or at home, be sure that your child eats breakfast each morning. This will be a huge help to your child’s learning.
• Walk or drive your child to school and meet your child’s teacher.
• Find the restrooms with your child if he/she doesn’t know where they are.
• Don’t linger when it is time to go. Make your good-byes quick even if your child cries. Know that most children settle in within a few minutes after parents have left. This allows the child to find friends and get involved in the activities. When parents do not leave, the crying and lack of independence can go on for days and the children become unwilling to let go and participate with their peers.
• Find out what time school is out.
• Make sure your child knows how he/she is getting home. If your child rides a bus, make sure he/she knows the bus number. If you are picking your child up, be at the gate a few minutes before school is out.
• Take the time each day to find out how your child’s day went by asking questions and listening to your child share about his/her day.
• Talk with your child’s teacher frequently to check on your child’s progress and to address any little problems that may crop up.
• Be absolutely sure that you attend back-to-school night, as this is the night when you can get your questions answered and when the teacher will tell parents important information they need to know.
You can find this article and more in Reach Up Edition: Spring 2015
