If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already seen the “Back to School” ads flood your Facebook feed with various goodies and advice. These tips are meant to help ease the transition from old school back to a new school while keeping your sanity intact. Follow these tips and keep yourself, your kids, and their schedules happy this fall!
The first day of school is always exciting and nerve-racking in equal measure. For kids, it’s a chance to reconnect with old friends, introduce themselves to new ones, and see what adventures the new year has in store. For parents, it’s an opportunity to welcome back your little darlings – but also brace yourself for those inevitable surprise tantrums. Your child begins at their new school in the same way they’ve always started but everything has changed.
Talk to Your Child’s Teacher
It’s important to remember that your child’s teacher doesn’t know your child as good as you do. Despite your best intentions, it may be possible that a rift has formed between one of you or even between you and the teacher. Teachers can see exactly what happened during the school year, so if you have any concerns about where things may have gotten off track, it’s a good idea to address them head-on. Sit down with your child’s teacher and discuss any issues you may be having with the school, such as homework expectations or behavior, so that both parties are on the same page.
Schedule a Meeting
Another important thing to consider is that many teachers schedule parent-teacher conferences, particularly for second grade and up. As your child’s parent, this meeting is an opportunity to discuss their progress, areas of strength and weakness, and their behavior at school. If you’re not sure when it’s scheduled, ask your child’s teacher, who can usually tell you the date. If you’d like to have the meeting sooner rather than later, talk to your child’s teacher about scheduling a time before school starts that works for both of you.
Bring Extra School Supplies
Remember that teachers will be planning lessons and projects around the new school supplies they will distribute. If you forget something, the teacher likely won’t make it up to you on the first day. For this very reason, it’s a good idea to bring extras of everything they need and leave extra items that they cannot get in the office or classroom. You can also check with your child’s teacher ahead of time to have an idea as to what each child will need for their new school year.
Consult Your Family Doctor
It’s also very important that you visit your child’s doctor for a final check-up before the start of school, particularly if your child has any concerns about their health. School can be stressful on kids, and often it’s easy to overlook the symptoms of a common illness or medical issue. You must check up on them before they start the new school year so that they get in and out with minimal fuss.
Stay Connected
In addition to a visit from your child’s doctor, it’s also a good idea to ask them if they plan on following any returner’s policies. If you’re still sending your child back and forth between schools, this is likely the case. Some schools may require that students follow particular rules before returning as well as after they’ve left. For example, some schools will require that students remain in the same grade level until they hit a certain age.
Try Behavioral Health Coaching
If your child is struggling behaviorally, learning disabilities, or with attention deficits, a behavioral health coach can help them get on track. Schedule a meeting with a behavioral health coach once school has begun and discuss how they can best support your child. Many times these coaches want to start simply and gradually increase the pressure to meet their goals as you see fit.
Be There for Your Kid
Most importantly, remember that even though you’re in a different environment, your child will still need their support. They are going to be anxious about making new friends and being away from home. You can help ease the transition by making sure your child knows you’re there for them. If they want to go back home at some point during the day, don’t criticize them or make them feel bad about themselves.
Consider Therapy
If your child’s old school didn’t have the resources to help them with a behavioral health issue, it doesn’t mean they completely lack access to therapy. Ask their teacher if there is a therapist on staff and if not ask around among other parents at school. Your child should feel safe in coming out to you or talking to their teachers about whatever issues they may be dealing with.
Ask Questions
If you have any questions as you and your child get ready to head back to school, don’t hesitate to ask their teacher or the counselor. An open line of communication is the best way for everyone involved to be informed and able to help each other out. You won’t get answers if you don’t ask questions. Sometimes teachers are just as stressed out about a new school year as the students, so keeping an open dialogue will help them appreciate your concern and appreciation for what they do every day.
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