Back-to-School Advice for Parents of Young Children

 

The time is approaching for parents to not only get their child ready for the first day of school with new school clothes and school supplies but you as parents.  The question was posed what advice could be given for parents to prepare for that special day and throughout the school year.  After doing countless numbers of presentations, engaging in conversations with parents and teachers (neophyte and veterans) on mentally, physically and spiritually for the school year these are ideas to help.  Here are some helpful hints that you can use as is or change to fit you and your child.

1.       Talk with your child about the start of school and set goals for his or her to work toward such as being friendly to classmates, do ones best every day at school, say out aloud “I am going to have a good day” and so forth.

2.       Have the child go to bed at set time to get his/her body adjusted to timeframe when school starts.

3.       Let child get up and go through the routine so when school starts the child is ready to go to school and learn new experiences.

4.       It may be helpful to get the child’s clothes ready the night before so you will find yourself in a battle over what they want to wear.

5.       Eat breakfast!  Yes, breakfast assist the child and you in energizing the brain for learning.

6.       Set aside time to talk with your child how they day was and other topics to keep the lines of communication open each day.  

7.       Provide healthy snacks and find time for some physical activity.  Let’s move!

8.       Read or tell your child a story each night before going to bed.  It is important for children to enhance their vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

9.       Start “MY First Day of School” journal with your child that can be carried throughout the school year.  Memories are keepsakes forever!

Parents, as you walk your child to the bus stop or drop off at the school give them positive words to start the school day, hug and kiss because they need to know you LOVE them.  Then take a few minutes with your cup of coffee and tea before your start your busy day.