Starting a new academic year is often an anxiety-provoking experience for both parents and children. For many parents, the occasion brings relief because the children's going back to school means a return to a more structured day. Yet, as summer comes to an end and the school year awaits, it can be hard to break summer habits and get back into a regular schedule. Here are some back-to-school tips that could help you and your child get back into the swing of things almost before you know it.
Reset sleep schedules: Everyone stays up and sleeps in a little later during the summer, so it is best to reset sleep schedules to normal for the school year. Sleep is crucial not only for a better day, but also for a better academic performance.
Say a quick goodbye: Try not to create unnecessary anxiety for your child on his or her first school day. By making a clean getaway, you're creating a confident child who can handle situations by himself.
Shop together: Taking your kids along while shopping for school supplies will make them more excited about using the cool stuff they choose and encourage them to keep it all organised as well.
Change morning tasks to night-before tasks: Doing this may help to relieve some of the morning rush. Laying out clothes, packing delicious lunches, and preparing backpacks can all ensure a stress-free morning. And better yet, have your kids help too. It's important to establish rules for where you kids should put their lunch boxes and other items when they come home as well, as this keeps things organised for the next day.
Establish a command centre: Creating a one-stop command centre in your home can help eliminate your child's stress. He can clip on permission slips that need to be signed, and you can keep track of his sport or art lessons.
Hydrate with ice-cold water: Freeze a half-full water bottle at night. Before school starts the next morning, take it out of the freezer and fill the empty space with water. Now you have a bottle of cool and refreshing water ready for the day.
Sign up for after-school activities: Whether it's sport, art, drama or ballet, these programmes can help keep your kids active with something to do after school. Factor their dates and times into your own schedule so that you can take care of transportation and attend important events.
Be positive: The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it can also bring up fears. Talk about these with your kids and ensure that you will be there to support them no matter what comes up.
Review school materials: With the beginning of the school year comes a flood of paperwork and materials to review. Read through everything to ensure that you aren't missing out on any vital changes.
Start a homework routine: Though your child may not have much homework at the beginning of the school year, it's still important to create a set study time that fits in with your schedule. Determine what time homework will be started, remove distractions, and ensure your child has a quiet work area with access to necessary study materials.
