Back to School Tips for Kids and Parents

When school holidays draw to a close, parents (are overjoyed with the thought of impending peace and quiet and some much earned relaxation) and kids (are disgruntled and disturbed by the fact they have to go back to school), are each anxious about that first day back to school. Regardless of age, that departure from mom can be a traumatic experience for both parent and child. But it needn't be, so to reduce that anxiety and help you and your kids enjoy a safe, healthy, well prepared return to school, here are some back to school tips and ideas for you and your kids to make that day a much more relaxed experience.

There are many things you need to be aware of to best prepare yourself and your child in advance of going back to school, including these back to school ideas:

Tip 1 A Health Check Up.

A first priority for your child should be their health, children tend to be prone to all kinds of sickness, like colds and flu, stomach upsets, ear infections, strep throat, pink eye, and others, because they interact with large groups of kids these minor illnesses are easily transmitted between them. However, the immune system of kids of school age improves with time and they can recover more quickly. So a general checkup wouldn't hurt. Your kids will benefit if you can identify and begin addressing a potential issue before school starts.

Tip 2 Get Your Kids Back Into a Routine Early

It's a good idea to re establish meal and bedtime routines at least one week before school begins. You can prepare your children for these changes by talking to them about the benefits of school routines, in terms of not being over tired or overwhelmed by school work and school activities.

Tip 3 Review the Information from the School

Reviewing any material the school has sent you as early as possible, so you can prepare and be informed. This contains important information about the teachers, their room number, supply requirements, sign up forms for school activities, important dates, bus travel, health and emergency forms, and any voluntary positions.

Tip 4 Buy any Necessary School Supplies Early

Most schools will provide parents with a checklist of necessary school supplies for their respective grade. Make sure your school kids have everything they need to assist them to perform at their best in school. There is nothing like the smell and feel of new pencils and pens, folders and notebooks, etc which will help to motivate your kids to be more organized and feel like they can have a fresh beginning for the new term.

Tip 5 Engage Your Child in Learning Activities

Reduce the amount of time they spend watching TV and playing computer games, instead encourage them to participate in more challenging learning games, like reading or puzzles, these will help to ease your kids into the learning process of school routine. Also, encourage physical activities if they have been sedentary. This will help them arrive at school better prepared and focused, ready to engage in the school curriculum.

Tip 6 School Uniforms

Do you need to acquire new school uniforms? Kids quickly out grow their uniforms, or they get damaged easily. You might need to address this issue early on well before the end of the school break.

Tip 7 Visit The School

It might be beneficial to take your child into the school prior to commencing their term if it's a new school, to acquaint them and yourself with the surroundings, the teachers, classroom, bathroom location, cafeteria, lockers and so on. It might help to alleviate some pre-school anxiety.

Tip 8 School Travel

Do you need to organize transport to and from school for your child? Following up on bus timetables, car pooling etc, planning and organizing this well in advance will save some headache. If necessary, drive the route to school a few times before school begins.
Or obtain the bus number from your district office before school commences. If your child is not accustomed to riding in the bus, it might be appropriate to take them the first few times, to acclimatise.

Tip 9 Prepare Lunches In Advance

We all know how hectic the mornings can be before school, so it would make sense to prepare your kids lunch boxes the night before. Always supply them with a variety of healthy foods and snacks to help them to sustain a higher energy and concentration level throughout their day. Alternatively provide them with sufficient funds to purchase their meals at the school cafeteria. A guide to healthy eating for school kids can be found HERE. (Kidshealth.org)

Tip 10 Always Encourage Your Child

Attending a new class or school can have an effect on your kids, stressing out about new teachers and/or new classmates, whether or not they can handle the increased difficulty of stepping up a grade, how they will fit into the new environment, it's like starting a new job and you should always reassure them and take the time to give them confidence in themselves and their abilities. Be prepared to offer your support when they need it, whether to help with homework, tuition or especially if they encounter bullying at school. But that's another topic for discussion.

This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, I realize that, but it might be sufficient enough to start you thinking about how you and your child approach going back to school.