Whether your kids are in high school or just starting kindergarten, it’s important to start off the new school year with a plan in place. Kids don’t typically embrace the end of summer with enthusiasm; so to ensure that the transition from carefree playtime to structured class time is problem-free, consider familiarizing your kids with the following points before the first day of school:
FIRST DAY BLUES
To avoid back-to-school blues and quell uneasiness about the new year remind your child that she is not the only student who might be anxious about the first day of school. Make your child as comfortable as possible by adding a special treat to her lunchbox or placing a funny note in her backpack.
Concentrate on the positives: Remind your child how much fun he will have in class with all of his friends. Refresh his positive memories about previous years, such as fun class projects, field trips and other good times.
Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your son or daughter can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
THE RETURN OF HOMEWORK
Homework is another part of school most kids dread. To help ease youngsters back into the homework routine create an environment that is conducive to studying. Set-up a permanent work space in your child’s bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
Designate a set time for homework.
Establish a household rule that the TV stays off during homework time.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject offer help, but never do your child’s homework for him.
Periodically check up on your child while he is doing his homework. If he has been at it for a while encourage him to take a break to alleviate eyestrain and neck fatigue. It may be helpful to have him close his books for a few minutes, stretch, and have a snack when it will not be too disruptive.
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