As the summer comes to a close, it’s time to shift gears and get the whole family ready for back to school season. It can be quite a dramatic change after a summer of very little structure and lots of playtime. While exciting, this time of year can also cause some anxiety and uncertainty—especially for young children. Whether you have a preschooler heading off to school for the first time or an older child returning for yet another year, preparation is key in easing the transition and setting the tone for a successful year.
Here are some ways you can help your child feel confident as they face the first day of school.
Re-Establish Routines Early
Family routines are typically more relaxed in the summer, from later bedtimes to irregular meals to more screen time. It’s important to get them back on track beforehand by gradually returning to a more a consistent schedule. This will ensure the first day of school isn’t quite such a shock to their system.
A couple of weeks before the first day, start shifting their bedtimes and wake-up times to more closely align with the school year. Reintroduce stricter meal times and reduce screen exposure, especially in the evenings. The transition should be smooth if you make small adjustments over a two-week period.
Visit the School or Day Care Center Together
Before school officially starts, take a tour of the school or day care campus to get them familiar with the new environment. Seeing the classroom, the lunch area, and the playground firsthand can help to lessen anxiety. Attend any orientation days or meet-the-teacher events offered in late summer so your kids can meet their teachers, check out their classroom, and maybe make a friend or two.
Chat About the Upcoming School Year
Open communication tends to reduce fear and anxiety, so start chatting up the new school year in a positive way to get them excited. Go over what they can expect as they move up to a new grade or classroom, or as they transition to a totally new school. Talk about who their teachers are and what activities they’ll be doing. Encourage them to talk about their apprehensions, and reassure them with encouragement and support.
Buy Back-to-School Supplies Early
Don’t wait till the weekend before school starts to pick up all the necessary supplies. The stores will be picked over and you don’t want to have to run to several different stores to get sub-par supplies.
Let your child decide on which backpack, lunchbox, and other essentials they want. This builds anticipation in a positive way while helping them feel more in control of the situation. Label everything with their name to prevent mix-ups in class.
Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Small children probably won’t have too much homework at this point, but it’s still a good idea to establish a distraction-free area in your home for reading, writing, or drawing. This will set the stage for a future of successful learning. Whether it’s a desk in a corner of the living room or a nook in their bedroom, keep it stocked with plenty of school supplies such as pencils, crayons, paper, and books.
Reinforce Healthy Habits
Good overall health is vital to a successful school year. Their immune systems will need to be strong as they start off the school year, so reinforce hygiene habits such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and using tissues properly. Before school starts, get their doctor and dentist visits in.
Practice Independence Skills
Tasking your child with age-appropriate responsibilities will help to build confidence and independence. Even preschoolers and kindergarteners can handle putting on their shoes or packing their backpack. Older children can set their own alarms and plan simple meals. Not only do these tasks foster a sense of accomplishment and maturity, they can lead to a smooth school day.
Encourage a Positive Mindset
Encouraging a positive attitude towards school starts now. You can help them build a positive mindset by sharing your own stories from when you were in school or how fun it will be to make new friends and try new things. For young kids, create a “back-to-school countdown” or a scrapbook with photos from summer to share in class; for older kids, help them set personal goals for the school year, such as joining a new club or trying a new sport.
Stay Connected With Teachers
Before school starts, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and let them know you are accessible at any time to talk about your child’s progress. Stay on top of classroom events and assignments via apps or online platforms. Consistent communication with teachers and staff members shows that you value your child’s education.
More than just back to school shopping and bedtime adjustments, this time of year is all about setting goals, building confidence, and setting the stage for success.
