Leaving the freedom of summer and going back to school can be a difficult transition for many children. Add the stress of wondering what their teacher will be like? How they find the bathroom? Who they will play with at recess? And how much homework they will have? It is no wonder that the start of school can be a stressful time for children and parents alike. So here are some ideas to help make the transition from summer to school a little smoother.
Get back into a routine. Summer is all about freedom and fun. Children tend to stay up later, sleep in, and spend their day playing. At least a week before school starts help your child by beginning your school routine. Go to bed at the time you do while school is in session and get up earlier too. If it is too big of an adjustment start by having your children go to bed 15 minutes earlier and then increase the time by 15 minutes each day. Have your child set out the clothes they will wear the next day the night before. In the morning have your child do the same activities that they would do on a school morning – getting dressed, making the bed, eating breakfast, and brushing their teeth.
Go shopping. Get ready for school to start by hitting the stores. Buy your child’s school supplies. Most schools have a list of items depending upon your child’s grade and teacher. Also purchase some new clothes for the big day.
Visit the school. Many schools have a back to school night before school starts. But even if your child’s school does not it is important that you visit before school starts. Visiting your child’s classroom before the big day will help ease your child’s concerns. Find your child’s desk and meet the teacher. If possible ask the teacher where your child will line up from recess. Find the bathrooms, the lunchroom, and the library. If your child rides the bus show your child the bus stop and explain how to get on and off the bus.
If your child is entering junior high or high school for the first time help them find their locker, their classrooms, lunchroom, and locate bathrooms. At this age your child might not want you to tag along so encourage them to go with friends.
Talk about school. Remind your children about all the positive things about school. Talk with your kids about their friends, subjects that they like, or a book they might have read in school. Don’t focus on the negative things like a teacher they didn’t like or the kid that occasionally bullied them at recess. Talk about what your child will do in school and the things that they will learn.
Be prepared. The day before school starts have your child choose the clothes that they want to wear. Discuss what they will eat for lunch. Pack a lunch if they don’t want what is on the menu. Let them know that it is okay to be nervous. All of the other kids and even the teacher will be feeling nervous too.