Back to School We Go
Going back to school can be an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children. Whether your child is a preschooler or a child who’s already familiar and has school experience, back to school means more structure. It means separating from home, separating from mom, dad or babysitter. It means getting used to being dropped off and having to adjust to being part of a class. Homework for older kids, less time to play, and an extended school day for many.
Here are some parenting tips to help make the transition smoother to ensure a successful school year.
Establish a Routine Now: Start gradually transitioning your child back into a school routine a couple of weeks before school starts. Set regular wake-up and bedtime schedules, and reintroduce predictable meal times to help your child adjust. It’s darker out a little earlier now. Use this time to create a bedtime that allows for the 10-12 hours of sleep your child needs. Dinner at the same time, bath at the same time, brushing teeth, books, kisses and snuggles, and sleep.
Open Communication: Talk to your child about their feelings, expectations, and any concerns they might have about going back to school. Addressing their anxieties and being empathetic can help alleviate their worries. Play pretend school with your young child. There are countless First Day of School picture books for preschoolers to help get the conversation started.
Create a Positive Environment: Make the idea of going back to school positive. Pass by school and point out where they’ll play outdoors. Talk about new friends to be made and activities they'll have. “You’ll sit on the rug and sing songs, play instruments and read books.” Show trust in your child’s teacher and in your child. “You can ask your teacher for a drink of water or if there are Lego’s to build with.” Arrange a visit to school before school starts. Often schools and teachers create a meet and greet. Visit your child’s classroom and teacher. For little ones, a family photo to leave in their cubby can bring in a feeling of security. Play in the school playground and walk the school hallways, becoming familiar with the layout of the building. Find the bathroom and use it together, making it not so foreign the first time they use it. Check out where the office is and who works in school. Meet the School Director , Principal or Head of School. It helps alleviate fear and the mystery of who’s who.
Prepare Lunch and Snacks: Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks that your child can take to school. This ensures they have energy throughout the day. Packing lunch the night before will give you one less thing to do in the morning. Go shopping together for healthy and nutritious foods that your child likes. Create a value for meals to include a fruit and vegetable that they like. Many choosy eaters like a crunchy carrot, crisp cucumbers or a juicy clementine.
Limit Screen Time: Create guidelines for screen time during the school week. 30 minutes for a three-four year old is plenty. Limit recreational screen time to allow for other more beneficial activities like unstructured play and sleep. Shutting the TV and no screens one hour before bed makes for an easier transition to sleep.
Promote Independence: Encourage your child to take responsibility for their school-related tasks such as packing their own backpack, organizing their materials, and preparing their clothes the night before. Growing executive functioning skills can start here. Older children can make their own lunch. Keep a list on the refrigerator of foods that they like that they can make themselves. While many schools are now peanut /nut free, plant based nut butter exists, and almond and sunflower seed butter is often allowed in schools.
Encourage Social Interaction: Help your child foster friendships by arranging playdates. Strong social connections contribute to a positive school experience. Just having one single friend makes a big, positive difference.
Understand that adjusting to a new routine and environment may take time. Be patient, supportive, and willing to adapt as needed. Perhaps bedtime needs to move a little earlier. Maybe dinner time needs to be a little earlier too. Be flexible. Look for obvious yet easy to miss clues of meltdowns and dysregulation, signaling it’s time for bed.
Celebrate Achievements! Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, big or small. Positive reinforcement rewards our child. “I left you upset and you did it! You ended up playing in blocks and got to know Henry today. What did you build together? Should we invite him for a playdate in a few weeks? “
Expect a variety of feelings when your child comes home. After all, they kept it together all day and need to decompress with you. Crying upon pick up is not unusual. A snack, a cuddle, a few minutes to sit and be with you might be all that’s needed.
Every child is unique, so alter these tips to your child's individual needs and personality, and to your needs too. With a combination of preparation, compassion, connection and support, you can help your child start off a successful and enjoyable school year, and watch them settle in.
