Parents get ready; it’s almost time for your child to go back-to-school! For many, this can be a stressful time. Transitions at any age are an adjustment and the earlier you can start preparing your child for the change in routine, environment, workload, friends, etc., the less stress there is for everyone.
Our educational experts at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child compiled the following advice to help you to start the school year off right:
1. Get Enough Sleep
Coming off summer break can be a shock to the system. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine before the first day will reduce stress an aid in a smooth back-to-school transition.
2. Plan Ahead
Don't wait until the last minute to purchase the items on your child’s supply list! Amazon Prime has a lot of last-minute deals and fast shipping - but the school year is approaching!
3. Practice Saying Goodbye
Both students and parents may feel a sense of anxiety when it comes to saying goodbye during the first few weeks of school. Consider establishing a "goodbye routine" that makes the goodbye seem like a familiar, positive experience. For more advice on saying goodbye, read our blog entitled, "7 Elementary School Separation Anxiety Tips for Parents."
4. Find a Buddy
Buddies are a great way to ease the transition into the new school year. If your child has been away from his or her school friends all summer, consider inviting them over for a play date. It will be fun to see these familiar faces and get everyone excited for the new year together.
5. Get Organized
Setup a Google calendar or get creative with a dry erase board (like this awesome one on Pinterest) to help you get - and stay - organized in the new year. Calendars are great because you can color code different activities and responsibilities - such as short- and long-term assignments/assessments/projects and also other school obligations (like welcome back receptions, school emergency/health form due dates, parent class coffees, Back to School Night, etc.). If using a digital calendar, check and see if you can sync your personal calendar with the school's calendar. This will save you from keeping multiple calendars and ensures you’re not missing a beat!
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below and we might add your idea to the post!
