The First Day of School – Help Your Child Be Ready
The first day of school carries many emotions along with it – excitement for a new school year, happiness of seeing friends again, anxiety about new environments and social situations, disappointment that summer is over, dread for the workload that will be coming. The first day of school can potentially set the tone for the year, especially if it is a particularly bad or good experience. There are things you as a parent can do to help your child have a great first day.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has created an easy checklist to be ready to go on the first day:
- Make sure your child is registered. This is particularly important if you have moved to a new city or simply a new school district, or if you have decided to change schools for your child this year. Often this is done online, and should be easily checked through the school website or parent portal systems. Call the school directly if you are unsure.
- Make sure you know the date for the first day of school. In addition, be sure to know time school starts and when a student is considered to be tardy.
- Do your middle or high school students have access to their daily schedules? Many times schools will have open houses prior to school starting, in order for students to find lockers and classrooms. This may help students feel more prepared the first day.
- Figure out school transportation. Will your child be walking or biking to school? Help them figure out a route ahead of time and strictly discuss rules for safety. Will your child be riding the bus? Make sure you know the bus schedule and the route information. Will your teenager be driving? You may need to purchase a parking pass from the school. Review traffic considerations and safety concerns with them as well.
- Figure out food. Will your child be bringing lunch or eating the food provided by the school? Usually there is a menu for school lunches. This can be helpful to look at with your child each week, particularly if you have a picky eater. Will your younger child have snack time during the day? Pay close attention to any food restrictions set out by the school when packing snack foods.
- Does your child need school supplies? Often, school districts or individual schools will have specific supply lists online. High school students may not have generic lists but will receive supply lists from individual teachers on the first day.
- Did you fill out school forms? This may be for emergency contacts, health information, medications needed to be held at school, or sports clearance.
- What do they wear? Does your child’s school have a required uniform or dress code? Know in advance to prevent issues when they arrive.
I have previously discussed ways to get ready for the start of school in the article “Back to School Tips,” including regulating sleep cycles, talking about safety, and making breakfast a priority meal.
Final thoughts
Whether kids like it or not, the new school year is upon them. It is important for us as parents to help them get the best start and set the tone for a great experience. Be encouraging, be patient, and listen to your child’s concerns so you can help address them.
Resources
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