It’s time to start thinking about getting the kids back to school. If you follow the ten simple steps below, starting school can be stress-free for you and your children.
1. Establish A Routine.
Two weeks before the first day of school, establish bedtime routines. Put your children to bed at the same time they will be going to bed when they start school. Get them out of bed at the same time they will getting up for school.
2. Get A List
Get a list of school supplies each child needs. Take your children shopping a couple of weeks before school starts and let them choose their own supplies. After the school supplies are purchased, take your children clothes shopping. Most children enjoy shopping for clothes more than school supplies so the clothes are like a reward.
3. Re-Decorate
Browse through magazines or online with your child to get great ideas for re-decorating his or her room for school. You want to dedicate a well-lit section of the room as the study area. It is a good idea to have a calendar in this area so your child can mark down due dates for school projects.
4. Visit The School
Most schools have orientation days and you should attend these with your child. During this time, you and your child will get to meet the teachers and tour the school. The first day of school will be less stressful if your child knows where the classrooms are.
5. Throw A Party
Throw a party a week before school starts to celebrate the beginning of school. You can invite some of the kids who will be in your child’s class, so they can become acquainted before the first day of school. A party is a great way to put a positive spin on the start of school.
6. Talk With Your Child
Have a serious talk with your child on how to handle certain situations they may encounter such as bullying. Give your child scenarios and have a discussion on how to handle these situations.
7. Extra-curricular Activities
Encourage your child to sign up for extra-curricular activities that he or she will enjoy. These activities will give your child something to look forward to with the start of school.
8. Have A Plan
It is very important that you have a plan for transporting your child to and from school. You should also have an alternate plan in case of an emergency. Make sure your child knows these transportation plans.
9. Set The Rules
A few days before school starts, talk with your child about the rules for homework, television and Internet time. For example, 7:00 to 8:30 may be homework time. There is no television or computer during this time.
10. Relax
This is the most important tip of all. Don’t stress over the start of school. Your children take their cues from you. If you are happy and relaxed about school starting, your children will be too.