10 Tips To Help Your Child Get Excited for the New School Year
Although your kids may still be enjoying their summer vacation, it won't be long before they return to the classrooms. Take the stress out of the beginning of a new school year by preparing with these simple tips.
1. Get Them Involved in Back to School Shopping
While leaving the kids at home so you can shop alone is tempting, buying school supplies is a great way to get them excited for a new academic term. You can even turn your shopping trip into a learning experience as you search for and check items off the list.
Have them compare prices and choose which supplies are the better option. If you can, allow them to select their own backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles too.
2. Help Your Child Organize Their School Supplies
Once you've made your purchases for the new year, help your child organize everything before the first day of school. Label notebooks, folders, and other items they'll keep in their desks and ensure that everything fits into their backpacks.
Make sure to consider any special instructions your child's teachers may have regarding school supplies. Having everything ready to go before the first day of school will ease your child's stress so they can focus on having fun.
3. Plan for the First Week of School Ahead of Time
No matter how excited your child may feel about the first week of school, there will no doubt be a few jitters and nerves along the way. The best way to help calm any butterflies is to prepare for those first crucial days early.
Help them plan their outfits and hairstyles the week before so they won't have to search for what to wear in the mornings. Place jackets, backpacks, and other items they'll need by the front door.
You can even do a practice run with your children to see how long it takes to eat breakfast, get dressed, and head to the car or bus stop.
4. Schedule a Few Play Dates Before the New School Year
One of the best things about a new year is reconnecting with friends your child may not have seen throughout the summer. In addition, play dates give children a safe space to practice their communication and problem-solving skills with their peers before school starts.
Kids who have friends at school will also look forward to the first week. Organize a few play dates closer to the beginning of the term. These opportunities will reinforce their bonds and ease any jitters they might be feeling.
5. Take a Trip to the School
As a parent, you might be used to the routine of back-to-school prep work. However, most children still experience some anxiety about returning, especially if they are moving to a new school or transitioning to middle or high school.
Plan a trip to the school a week or two before the first day so they can get a feel for the campus. Have your children meet the teachers and staff and take a quick tour around the buildings.
This way, your children will know how to get around and where specific rooms are, so they feel more comfortable during the first few weeks.
6. Create a Fun Space To Complete Homework
Few kids look forward to homework. However, you can make the process easier by creating a cozy space for them to complete their assignments after school. Identify a quiet spot in your home with minimal foot traffic or distractions.
Personalize it with fun decor and organizational items. Opt for soothing colors and hang up motivational posters or quotes to help inspire your child.
Make sure there's plenty of natural lighting, and consider active seating instead of traditional chairs to encourage your child to focus better.
7. Slowly Get Their Schedules Back on Track
Your kids may have started getting used to staying up late and sleeping in, but it's important to start winding back their internal clocks before the first week of school.
A week or two before school starts, begin implementing an earlier evening routine, scaling it back with fifteen-minute increments until they head to bed at their regular time.
In addition, you'll want to start waking them up earlier in a similar manner. This way, it won't be such a shock when they have to go to sleep and wake up earlier than they've become accustomed to during the summer.
8. Let Your Kids Pick Items for Their Lunches
If your children take their lunch boxes to school, they are more likely to eat what's inside if you allow them to have some input on what to bring. Plan a trip to the grocery store the week before school and help them pick sensible snacks to include in their lunches.
If your children plan on eating school lunch throughout the year, you could have them select a few after-school snacks to enjoy when they get home in the afternoons.
9. Whip Up a Special Breakfast for Their First Day
Celebrate the first day of school by cooking a special breakfast for your children. You might want to wake them up a bit earlier than usual so they can sit down and enjoy a relaxed morning meal before heading out the door.
You'll want them to arrive at school with full bellies so they can focus on the day ahead. Choose items your child loves, such as waffles, bacon, or pancakes.
You can also add a few sprinkles or a festive smiley face with strawberry slices and whipped cream to make it extra special.
10. Listen to Your Child's Concerns
It's important to never make your child feel their worries or concerns are insignificant. Remember that children process their feelings differently than adults, and it's easy for them to become overwhelmed, especially if they are particularly apprehensive about the upcoming school year.
Younger children do not always have the exact words to express their feelings, while middle and high school children may not be eager to share their innermost thoughts with their caregivers.
No matter their age, it is vital to give your children plenty of opportunities to talk about how they may be feeling and express their concerns.
By showing you care and providing your children with a safe place to talk about their fears, you can help them work through these feelings and brainstorm solutions to any problems they may have.
Get Excited For the School Year
The beginning of a new school year is exciting and stressful for many families. By carefully planning and making ample preparations beforehand, you can navigate any challenges this year may bring and prepare your children for a successful academic term.