The back-to-school season can be a period of stress and the unknown for students and parents alike. For students it’s a new routine, new teachers, back into the learning groove after summer vacation. For parents, it’s getting all the children settled with the supplies and uniform, packing lunches and snacks and getting them to school on time; with all that comes the excitement of new beginnings for students, which can often be stressful.
As parents, we need to show the proper support and be there for them during this time more than ever. Throughout this article, we will discuss back to school tips that we hope can guide you through the first few weeks of the school year. Let’s dive in.
An anxious parent = An anxious child
Be calm, positive, and reassuring, and your child will attend school knowing they have your support. An anxious and stressed-out parent will send those feelings with the child to school. It’s essential to start the morning smiling and reassuring them that they will have a great day. Always remember that your child’s behaviour is a mere reflection of yours.
Check out our Back to School Shopping List.
Go Slow After School
Parents often set up a playdate or extracurricular activity after school pick-up. The first few weeks of the school year can be a new adjustment for your child. One of our back to school tips is to take time after school to reflect on your child’s day. Ask them questions, tell them you missed them, ask who their new friends are, etc.
Build Good Homework Habits
Homework can be a drag for children, but it builds a habit. Sit with them at a designated desk such as the Ikea Kids Desk, help them, support them and even put a small snack next to them to make homework more enjoyable.
A Morning Routine
Establish a morning routine towards the end of summer. Make sure to follow the morning routine daily and get your child into the habit of doing every step. This way, once the school year starts, they will already have an established morning routine that will help things get done more efficiently in the mornings before school.
Do as Much as You Can the Night Before
Try to do as much as you can the night before. This will make your morning simpler and less stressful. Pack lunch, empty and repack the school bag, prepare clothes for the next day, and place the backpack by the door, ready to go.
Get Your Schedule on Track
Get yourself into the flow of things, whether setting goals, being more organized, or setting up your bag for the next workday. Once you are organized and have your plans set, you can care for your children better. You can be more patient; you’re not stressed to take care of your “schedule”.
Set up a family calendar where all plans are written down. This is a great way to stay organized and keep track of extracurricular activities, date nights, play dates, and more. This can also motivate your kids for the next play date or school field trip they have.
Designate a Breakfast Station
Back to school tips for families that have to cut on breakfast time in the morning. Setting up a designated breakfast station helps speed up the breakfast process in the morning. Make sure it’s accessible for your kids and that you have healthy options set out.
Prepare Your Child
Prepare your child for what their day will look like. Often, the unexpected instils fear and stress in children. Preparing your child for how their day will look is essential so they don’t go in with the unexpected. It will make them feel more calm and excited for the day.
Encourage Independence
Over the summer, it’s easy for children to forget about their responsibilities. Ensure they stay in the habit of doing their in-house chores, whether it’s dusting, collecting the laundry, or emptying the dishwasher.
Similarly, for school, if they are old enough, get them to pack their lunch and snacks and have them prepare their clothes. It’ll make them feel older and more responsible.
Screen Time Limits
After summer vacation, it can be hard to set screen time limits. Towards the end of August, make efforts to set a limit. Once school starts, they will need the extra time for homework, packing, playdates, etc.
Conclusion – Back to School Tips
The back-to-school season is challenging for both students and parents. Both sides have responsibilities and are introduced to a new season of life. It’s essential to take it slow and be prepared for what the school year will bring. Throughout this article, we reviewed back to school tips that can significantly guide you in the first few weeks of the school year. Some of the few points we discussed were packing in advance, making homework a habit and setting up a breakfast station in the kitchen for easy access. These back to school tips can make the transition to school an easier one. We hope that you can refer to this article for some tips before the school year starts.
How do I prepare for back to school?
A stocked backpack with all the necessary school supplies to begin the school year. A healthy, filling lunch, a nutritious snack, and a water bottle to help you stay hydrated.
What should I tell my child on his first day of school?
‘Believe in yourself’
‘Make good choices’
‘You can do anything you put your mind to.’
‘You’ll do great today’
How do I adjust to going back to school?
Make sure your backpack has all the necessary school supplies.
Be friendly; all your classmates will experience the same feelings as you.
The first few days might be challenging, but you’ll have a great time once you get used to the new routine.
How do I prepare my child for the first day of school?
Here are a few things you can do to prepare your child for the first day of school.
Practice the morning routine a week or two in advance so they get into the habit of things. Pass by the school building a few times before school starts so they get familiar with the location. Have them help with packing their backpack for school.
