Do you have a child that hates going back to school after a long, and relaxing summer? We’ve all been there, and it’s not because they’re no longer able to stay up late while channeling their nocturnal instincts, or having to rise up at the crack of dawn just to get ready. It’s because they need to go back to a regular school routine, and the daily grind of going to school can be dreadful and stressful to both child and parent.
For parents, going back to school can be just as stressful. You’re also getting up early with the kids, getting their breakfast ready, packing their lunch boxes, shuffling them to school, and going back to work or starting your day. While summer was the time to recoup and rest for the kids, getting them back to a regular routine is a task no one looks forward to.
But there is no need to stress this school year. Whether you’re a working parent, stay at home parent, or something in between, there are always ways to make the school year easier for everyone – including the teachers!
Tips For a Successful School Year:
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Routine is the key to a successful school year. Start schooltime routines as soon as kids are ready for school. Establish a regular routine that works for your family and practice it on a daily basis. Routine helps monitor behavioral and emotional changes that can occur as your children gets older. Be flexible in your routines, and allow adjustments throughout their school years.
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Communicate with teachers and school staff throughout the year. Depending on the age of your child, regular communication with their teachers helps prevent misunderstandings and lets teachers and admins know if there are issues that need to be addressed early. While your child’s teacher is your first line of contact, it’s good to establish a healthy relationship with the school Principal, secretary, and any other important adult figures at the school.
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Healthy habits established when your children are young helps them continue with these good choices later on. Healthy habits such as eating healthy food – including school snacks, healthy bedtime routine, and healthy minds, give children the best opportunities to learn and grow as students and individuals.
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Respecting self and others at school. No one likes a bully at school, and no one wants to be picked on by a bully either. Teach children to respect themselves and others while they’re at school. Schools around the world usually has some form of bully intolerance policy, but if not, make sure your children are aware of other students who might not have the mindset or ability to regulate their actions.
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Set aside a spending rule before school, during school, and summer break. Money can be a huge issue in many households. And depending on the age of your children, they might ask for clothes, toys, and the latest gadgets just to fit in with their classmates and friends. Establish a special school household budget during the school year so you can track what is necessary for a successful school year, and what could be a waste of money.
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Give grace to yourself and your children. Whether your children are just starting school, or heading off to college, everyone deserves to give themselves some grace. We are all doing the best we can to help our children become successful individuals. As parents, we can struggle with doing the right thing for our children versus doing what we need to do. Know that it’s not easy being a parent, just as it’s not easy being a school-aged child. Laugh, learn, and love yourself through the process.
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Understand homework reality. Depending on your state and school district, homework requirements vary by grade. Be aware of homework expectations from the teachers and reach out to teachers if homework gets overwhelming. Most schools have a set amount of homework expectation so refer to the school handbook for more info. Most teachers will assign additional homework along with any unfinished classwork.
- Extracurricular activities. We all want our children to succeed at school but also live a fulfilling life. But be mindful of too many afterschool activities that can interfere with their sleep habits, homework, and prepping for any class quizzes and tests.
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Friendships at school is important for social and emotional growth, but sometimes our children have a difficult time making and keeping friends. Depending on the age of your child, friends can be hard to establish and maintain throughout the school years. If your child is having a difficult time finding friends, try and communicate the reasons behind it and see if there are any bullying involved, if there are any activities during Recess and Lunch, and how they interact with other students in the same class.
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Seek help when possible. We all need some help during the school year, whether you’re a student, parent, or sibling. If you feel overwhelmed with school life and life at home, try and seek help from professionals or someone who can understand your problems. Don’t wait until stress exacerbates into something worse. Seek help whenever possible.
This school year, take time to look at the “big” picture and be prepared as much as possible.
Have a wonderful school year!
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