School has started, sports games are gearing up, and parents, teachers, and students alike are getting into the swing of the school year routine. As students head back to school, the transition from summer schedules to school and extracurricular activities can get a bit overwhelming. Assignments may get forgotten, busses missed, sports shoes left on the porch, you name it, the transition can be daunting. Parents, don’t stress too much, and keep these pointers from Dr. Steven Dowshen and Kidshealth.org in mind as your family transitions into the new school year.
First, acknowledge your child’s worries and talk about potential stressors. Are they worried they won’t make new friends, have to deal with that same bully again, or won’t get along with their teacher? Make it a point to talk with your child about their school worries and offer reassurance. Make sure to emphasize those positive things about back to school, such as showing off that new school outfit, connecting with friends they may have missed over the summer, or all the fun opportunities that come with extracurricular activities.
Next, try to set a regular back to school routine. Remember, children need plenty of sleep and a healthy diet to be successful. Set a reasonable bedtime and stick to it, ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast before school, and write down those important, need to know items such as locker combinations and homeroom assignments. Create a calendar that contains important dates, practice schedules, and other important school related information. Encourage your child to use a daily planner or other similar system to record important test dates, project due dates, practice schedules, and other important school related deadlines to help them stay organized. Encourage your child to pack their backpack with all the important supplies needed for the next day, such as sports uniforms, homework assignments, snacks, house keys, and other necessary supplies.
