Tips for back-to-school success

Back-to-school time can be exciting but also hectic for families. A new school year brings many changes: new schedules, friends, teachers and daily routines (maybe even new clothes). Parents can help their children adjust to these new changes by providing a safe space that encourages them to share and express their feelings. Here are some ways to help your child transition smoothly into the new school year and thrive.

Start preparing early

Before the school year begins, it can be helpful to do a “dress rehearsal” together.¹ Visit your child’s school with them so they can get reacquainted with it, or if it’s a new school, explore it for the first time. Show them their drop-off spot for their first day. Spend some time on the playground and walk through the building if it’s open. This is also a good time to review who will pick them up from school or if they’re taking the bus or going to an after-school program.

For younger children, it can be helpful to arrange a few play dates with classmates before school begins. Encourage older children to attend any before-school or summer orientations to learn about clubs and classes and meet other students. Discuss what the expectations are for this new school year, such as attendance, behavior and grades.

Set up routines

During the summer, regular bedtimes and mealtimes may fly out the window. So, it’s a good idea to get back on track with daily routines a few weeks before school starts. This gives everyone in the house a chance to settle into the new schedule. Consistent routines offer security, which is comforting and essential for all children regardless of their age. And routines can really help you get out the door on a busy morning!

Nighttime routine:

Have your child pick out their clothes for the next day, pack their homework and books in their backpack or bookbag, take a shower or bath, read a favorite book and then get into bed at a realistic time. A good night’s sleep goes a long way in helping kids have a great day at school and stay healthy.

Morning routine:

Try to get up 15 minutes earlier than you think you need. Allow enough time in the morning for your child to eat a good breakfast, get dressed and pack their lunch.

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Homework routine:

Set aside structured time when homework is done every day. It could be when your child gets home from school, before or after dinner, or another time that works best for your family. To establish a successful homework routine:¹

• Create a quiet workspace, such as a desk or the kitchen table, that’s free of distractions.
• Turn off the TV and set aside phones and devices.
• Review your child’s assignments with them, help them get organized and ask if they have any questions.
• Have any supplies your child may need ready, such as paper, pencils, ruler, calculator, textbooks, etc.
• Help your child with their homework, but don’t do it for them. It may be tempting to want to lighten their load or speed things up, but it doesn’t help them in the long run.

Keep the vibes positive

Empathize with your child and explain that it’s normal to feel nervous before the first day of school. Help reduce their nerves by modeling calm and confident behavior when talking about school and getting ready for the first day. Kids are like little sponges, and they absorb the energy of those around them. Remind them that change can be difficult sometimes but also exciting. Focus on all the positive things coming with the new school year: seeing old friends, meeting new ones, joining a sports team, learning new things and discovering activities they may love. And when they walk through the door on that first day, tell them how proud you are of them.

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Ask questions—and really listen

It’s important to give kids the opportunity to talk about how they’re feeling.² Ask your child what thoughts, hopes or fears they may have about the upcoming school year. Try to be as patient and nonjudgmental as possible. Give your child a chance to formulate their ideas and respond—sometimes it takes a while! Actively listen to what they say.

And after the school year starts, keep checking in. Regular check-ins give your child a chance to bring things up that may be difficult for them to share. Try one of these conversation starters to get the ball rolling:

• What are you excited about?
• Is there anything you’re worried about?
• What do you think your new school/teacher/friends will be like?
• What was the best part of your day?
• What was the hardest thing you did today?
• What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
• Do you have any questions about anything that happened today?

The breakfast or dinner table is a great place for family members to share their thoughts. Bedtime is another time when kids can be in the mood to talk. Snuggle quietly next to your child, and you may be surprised by what they say. Encourage further conversations by telling them how you love to hear their perspective on things.

The importance of self-care

A new school year can be a time of stressful change, both physically and mentally.² It’s important to establish (or reestablish) healthy habits to bolster your child’s immune system. Encourage them to wash their hands often, brush and floss their teeth daily and limit screen time. A child’s immune system functions best when they are well-rested, nourished, hydrated, active and stress is managed.³

Talk to your doctor

Your child’s doctor is a great resource for the beginning of the school year. Speak with them about staying up to date on immunizations, as well as any developmental changes (both physical and emotional) that may be coming down the line. If you or your child are feeling especially overwhelmed by the start of the school year, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance.

With a little planning, patience and a positive outlook, you can help your child start the school year off right.

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Published August 13, 2024