Back to School Tips
It’s that time of year again! School supplies fill the store shelves and children are counting down the days before school starts again (if it hasn’t already). The back to school time period can be exciting and anxiety-producing at the same time. Some kids love school and look forward to going back, while others dread the loss of summer. Either way, it is a time of change and there are definite things parents can do to ease the transition for their kids.
Get into a sleep routine
Oftentimes, sleep schedules go out the window in the summertime. Kids stay up late, sleep half the day, and then repeat. Teenagers are particularly bad about pushing back bedtime, even to the early hours of the morning. If this describes your household, DO NOT WAIT until the night before school starts to reset to a healthy sleep schedule. Start adjusting bedtimes and wake up times at least a week prior to school starting. Adequate sleep is essential for kids to thrive and be successful in school.
Children aged 6-12 years old should have 9-12 hours of sleep, while teenagers need 8-10 hours.
For more information regarding sleep hygiene, please see my previous article here.
Talk to your child
Discussing anxiety regarding going back to school is key for helping your child through this transition. There may be situations you are not aware of, such as bullying, that need to be addressed quickly. It may be as simple as concern regarding new routines or being away from parents during the day. Be sure to talk about the positive aspects of school – seeing friends and making new ones, playing at recess, learning new and fun skills. If possible, prior to the first day make a visit the school to meet the teacher, walk around, play on the playground, and otherwise familiarize your child with the new environment.
Discuss street safety
Children can learn street safety at an early age. Teach them to hold hands, look both ways, use crosswalks, and be aware of the environment around them. If your child rides a bike to school, be sure to stress the importance of wearing helmets and watching for cars before crossing any streets.
Eat breakfast
This is more typically a problem for teenagers, who often skip breakfast due to time constraints (see the section on sleep…) or lack of appetite in the mornings. It sounds trite, but breakfast truly is one of the most important meals of the day, because food = fuel for the brain. Awareness and school performance is decreased when breakfast is skipped. If possible, make protein a part of the breakfast meal.
Make sure vaccines are up to date
Many states require certain vaccinations to attend school, unless there is a medical or non-medical exemption on file. Check with your child’s school if you have questions.
Final thoughts
There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking your elementary schooler into a new class or dropping your new high schooler off at the front door. As parents we watch them grow a little (or a lot) each year and advance through grades, but we have the benefit of past experience while they do not. What might not seem scary or anxiety-producing to parents may be very impactful for kids and teens. Helping them to prepare to go back to school can alleviate some of these concerns and allow them to have a safe and productive school year.
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