Rey, my darling wife understands the one big need of children on their first day back to school —they want to FIT IN!
As a parent, one cannot neglect ANY detail -from inscribing names on colour pencils (sounds familiar) to finding out what the correct dress code is, (if there is one.)
In this way, they can have all the required clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes (Spiderman or Moana themed,) and supplies purchased in advance. No last-minute shopping — it only adds to stress at an already anxious time for both parents and children alike.
Children will experience “separation anxiety,” especially in families with a strong emotional attachment, (typically between the ages of 6–7 months to 3 years.) So it is important to parent up and be what they need, to help alleviate and further stress.
Here are 7 Tips to Help Parents Prepare their Children for Going Back to School:
#1 Our girls have moved to a new school
To make it easier, we’ve visited the new school one month in advance. This allowed them, to get familiar with their classrooms, hallways, play area, public toilets and important offices such as the principal and their teachers.
#2 Find out if they have any friends
If possible, find out if there are any friends, relatives or neighbors in their class or school. We are fortunate that the girls Sunday school teacher, is a teacher at their new school, and they have friends there.
Knowing someone makes the transition so much more smoothly, and a friend can create a buddy system.
#3 Do your parental homework
Do your homework: if possible, talk to the teachers, the principle in advance. Show both your interest and your goodwill. Tell them of any concerns you have in regard to your children’s health, and apprise them of any learning difficulties in advance.
#4 Have a bedtime story
Start a bedtime schedule one week in advance of school so that your child gets at least 10 hours of sleep at night. As an adult, we know how cranky we get when we are tired, and so do our children. Remember that they don’t have our coping skills. Getting to back into a routine is not easy, but necessary.
#5 Safety comes first
A ‘safety first’ attitude is a very important part of preparing for the first day of school. Young children should know their name, how to spell it, their telephone number and one their parent’s cell numbers.
#6 Beat the bullies
Teach your child the proper way in advance to deal with bullies by reporting them to either a teacher or counselor and you.
#7 Beat the bullies
Talk with your children about their feelings and invite them to participate in a conversation that gives them some sense of control.
A little preparation before the big day can go a long way in easing your child’s transition back to school.
It is important, to be patient with your children, never embarrass discount or demean your children’s feelings — be empathetic.
You Can’t Spoil Your Child With Love
It is important, to be honest with your children. Tell them you will miss them too — while encouraging them, that they will like school because it will give them new and exciting experiences and friends.
So Prepare in Advance!
Question: Which of the following 7 tips has helped you? Can you suggest some tips I may have overlooked? Leave a comment below and share this post.
