Back to School Readiness: Setting Your Child Up For Success
Time to put away the beach towels and take out the notebooks! Another summer has flown by and it’s time to start thinking about heading back to school. The start of a new school year brings excitement and nerves for kids of all ages and their parents. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or their senior year of high school, the back-to-school transition can set the tone for the months ahead. Taking a few intentional steps in August can help set you and your child up for success.
Establish Consistent Routines Before the First Day
The earlier you begin to ease into routines, the smoother the transition will be. Depending on the age of your child, start to slowly implement earlier bedtimes and wake-ups. Discuss expectations around these times for older children so they have a voice in deciding what will be best for them, but also understand that there will be a shift. Kids of all ages benefit from predictable routines so think about other routines to set up as well. Think about a lunch routine, a “landing pad” for backpacks, and a designated spot to do homework.
Thoughtfully Organize School Supplies
New pencils, notebooks, sneakers, even ipads can all be part of the back-to-school shopping list. Once you bring them home, organizing them in a way that supports your child’s learning habits is what really matters. Think about color coding notebooks or folders by subject. Make sure there is a designated spot for homework that is stocked with essential tools. Teach your child how to keep their backpack and folder tidy each week. Even teenagers can benefit from this! Let’s face it–teenagers can especially benefit from this. Make sure to involve your child in this process. That makes it more likely that they will continue to stay organized once school begins.
Help Your Child Build a Positive, Flexible Mindset
Back-to-school jitters are normal. This is true for the most seasoned student who typically loves school. You can help your child develop a mindset for growth and resilience with clear, open, honest communication. Name and normalize feelings around school. Let your child know it’s okay to be nervous and remind them that other kids feel the same way they do. Help them practice problem-solving by asking them how they would handle difficult situations that might occur (no friends in their class, forgetting their locker combination, etc). Talk to your child about goals they have for the year. Try to focus on what they want to learn or achieve this year instead of focusing on grades. And most importantly, model curiosity, flexibility, and calmness for your child. This can truly go a long way.
Proactively Connect with Teachers and School Staff
While you certainly don’t want to bombard your child’s teacher or principal with a long email filled with requests, it can be a good idea to reach out to your child’s teachers to establish strong home-school relationships. A quick friendly email sharing about how your child is feeling about the year and an offer to help or partner with your child’s teacher throughout the year can go a long way. Keeping this short and letting teachers know they don’t need to reply if they’re too busy can help set a positive tone and help teachers see you as an an ally.
Back to school success doesn’t just happen. It’s about providing your child with the right tools, structure, and confidence to find success themselves. With a little planning and intentionality you can lay the foundation for a school year where your child will thrive.