3 Things You Didn’t Know Before Going Back To School

We all know the transition of your children going back to school is both exciting and intimidating for both parents and kids. Here are a few tips to help this process go a little smoother.

1 - Make sure your child is in physical health. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Discuss any concerns you have of your child’s physical and/or emotional development with your pediatrician. Your doctor can help determine if your concerns are normal, age-appropriate issues or require further assessment. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.

2 - Getting back on schedule the week before school starts so the first day isn’t such a shock. Before the first day you should start getting your children back into a routine. Set the morning alarm so there is plenty of time for any last minute issues. It’s also suggested as a parent your schedule is as open as possible during the first week to help spend additional time with your children to discuss their experiences. If you prepare your child’s lunch, involve him or her so they are aware of what they will be eating. Leaving a little note letting them know how much you love them can help reduce the stress of the first week back in school.

3 - Get to know the other school professionals. Make an effort to find out who it is in the school or district who can be a resource for you and your child. Learn their roles and how best to access their help if you need them. This can include the principal and front office personnel; school psychologist, counselor, and social worker; the reading specialist, speech therapist, and school nurse; and the after-school activities coordinator.

Resources

Clark, L. (1996). SOS: Help for parents (2nd ed.). Berkley, CA: Parents’ Press. ISBN: 0935111204.

Dawson, M. P. (2004). Homework: A guide for parents. In A. Canter, L. Paige, M. Roth, I. Romero, & S. Carroll (Eds.),Helping children at home and school II: Handouts for families and educators. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Rimm, S. (1996). Dr. Sylvia Rimm’s smart parenting: How to raise a happy, achieving child. New York: Crown. ASIN: 0517700638.

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