In less than a month, children will be heading back to school. Some will be going for the first time while others will be making the transition to a new grade or perhaps even a new school.
While the new school year can be exciting, some things may be scary for children. Thoughts about new teachers, moving to a new school or anxiety about a new grade are things your child may be thinking but not talking about.
One of the best things you can do as a parent to help get the year off to a great start is to establish rituals and consistency around the school day. Children need to know what to expect. They thrive on structure and consistency. When these elements are not present, there is a tendency to feel out of control, which can lead to acting out. The acting-out behavior could range from temper tantrums to refusing to do homework or being disrespectful.
Here are a few suggestions to help your child have a positive experience:
• Talk with your children about the new school year before school starts. For younger children, a trip to school is very important. What doesn't seem scary to adults may be very scary to a child. Take their feelings seriously.
• Decide how many extracurricular activities will be allowed.
• Discuss emergency plans. What happens if your child gets sick? Who will pick up your child in the event of a crisis? Also, talk with your child about how to deal with strangers.
• Establish a morning and evening routine. These times can be hurried and stressful, creating anxiety for parents as well as children. Make your expectations clear. Will you eat breakfast together? What time do you expect your children to be out of bed and getting ready? Who packs lunches? What time should everybody be ready to leave the house?
• Do a couple of practice runs before the start of school. Evening activities such as setting out clothes, putting all school gear in one place and touching base as a family before going to bed can make morning a more pleasant experience.
• Make sure your child gets adequate rest. Research shows that children need around 10 hours of sleep.
• Know your child. It is important to be in touch with your child's needs. When children see you taking their concerns about school seriously, they are more likely to be excited about the experience instead of stressed. The time and effort invested will give your children the best chance for success.
Email Julie Baumgardner, president and executive director of First Things First, at julieb@firstthings.org.