The back-to-school rush is a stressful time of year as parents scurry to gather supplies and arrange schedules. It can also be tough on kids who are used to the fun and relaxation of summer. For many kids, the start of classes causes tearful mornings with nights spent complaining about homework. This transition can go a lot more smoothly, though, if parents take preemptive action and prepare kids for school a couple of weeks in advance.
1. Set a bedtime routine
One big problem kids from kindergarten to high school face at the start of classes is adjusting to a new routine. Kids are used to sleeping in and staying up late during the summer, so when school starts, it's a jarring experience because they now have to get up and go to bed early. To make this shift easier, parents should have their kids start going to bed and getting up early about two weeks before classes start. When they wake up on the first day of school, they won't feel completely exhausted.
2. Create a family calendar
Running around to gather school supplies at the last minute is no fun, so New Westminster suggests taking some time before classes to set up a family calendar in the kitchen or another prominent location. Magnetic dry erase calendars are fantastic for the fridge and are in a perfectly visible spot so no one will forget what is approaching. Use this calendar to plan when you'll be going out to buy school supplies with a list of items that you'll need to get. You should also mark the start of school so kids can mentally prepare for the upcoming date.
When school gets underway, having this calendar available will also be extremely helpful for noting extracurricular activities and due dates. This way, parents and children don't have to worry about forgetting an important assignment or group project.
3. Organize a play date
For younger kids, not knowing anyone on the first day of school can be nerve wracking. To solve this problem, parents should try to find another child who will be in their kid's class, then set up a play date. This will be beneficial because your child will feel better knowing someone in the class, and you'll know they have someone to play with during recess.
4. Take advantage of orientation time
If your child's school has orientation dates before the start of class, Aha! Parenting suggests using them. Seeing the classroom and getting an idea of the hall layout will make your child feel more comfortable on the first day. This is also a good time to introduce your child to the teacher. Getting this one-on-one time can be helpful so that students feel comfortable around their new instructor. If your school doesn't have orientation available, call the school and ask if you can tour the classroom or set up a brief meeting with the teacher. Setting up this pre-class meeting and completing the other tasks mentioned will all help make your child more confident on the first day of school.
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