Prepping kids beforehand to eliminate as many elements of surprise or the unknown is a key to keeping kids happy and positive about beginning the school year--regardless of their age. Youngsters are already thinking about the school year, and most likely have accompanied you already on trips to the store to purchase school supplies, clothes, shoes and even a backpack to start off the school year prepared and in style! Here are some tips for keeping jitters to a minimum and smiles to the max about the start of school!
Pre-School Prep Ideas to Keep Kids Happy
- Schedule a quality question-and-answer time with your child. Whether your child is age 3 or 13, he will undoubtedly have questions about the beginning of the school year. Open the discussion by indicating you've thought of several questions that could be asked and provide answers, such as what time school begins and ends, how you will pick him up (is there a meeting time and place or do you go into classroom), will he ride the bus, is there a place for his things, and what type of food is served for lunch? By having some ready questions and answers, you'll hopefully spur some additional questions from your child that you can answer. The more your child knows about the upcoming school experience, the less nervous or upset he may be as the big day approaches.
- Start a child's back-to-school routine at least a week before the school begins, if not longer. Many kids transition into a sleep-in and stay-up-late schedule, making the return to school year and having to get up earlier a greater challenge. Adjust your child's sleep cycle and morning routine to avoid the first-morning sleepies.
- Visit the school with your child ahead of time. Many schools have meet-the-teacher nights or something similar prior to the start of school. If it is offered, be sure that you and your family attend. It can do much to allay school jitters. If no event is planned, schedule a visit ahead of time so your child can enter the building and see her classroom (or at least where the general area will be if it is not yet decided).
- Let your child have some control in school planning. Whether it is selecting the backpack, choosing the color of a folder, or even picking clothes out for the first day, let your child feel in control of decisions being made about school. Too many well-meaning parents do it all for their kids, leaving them feeling like they have no decision making about school. Even if it's not your personal first choice, it's okay if your child picks something that you would not have, as long as it complies with school requirements.
- Plan a welcome school special activity as a family. Whether it's a special outing on the day before school starts, a dinner the night before, or a special-prepared breakfast, make sure you child knows you are super excited about the school year! Family time can create a calming influence and help your child feel more secure about the school year.
- Give your kids a run through of what their school day might be like. Kids may worry about things like bathroom breaks, lunch, rest, and their overall routine. Talk to them about their school day so they have a clear understanding of what to expect.
- Address emotional issues beforehand and then during the first few weeks of school. Even if they don't articulate their concerns, most kids worry about whether other kids will like them, how they will do academically, what to do if you're late in picking them up, or what will happen if it begins to storm. Older kids with lockers may worry about what will happen if they forget their locker combination. Address emotional concerns and help kids to know how to respond or what to do when certain situations arise.
- Don't linger on the first day. Most younger kids will want you to walk with them into school, but you can cause additional stress or nervousness if you stay around and hover after they enter the classroom. Parents need to know that it's okay to release them and go. Even if kids cry, most all of them will quickly acclimate and even grow to enjoy their first day of school. Make sure they go to the right classroom, give them a hug and words of support, and then leave. Your job is done for the day. Let the teacher begin hers.
- Know when to bring in reinforcements when your child is not adjusting to school. If your kid is still hesitant in going to school, melts down, hides, or continues to talk about how much he hates school after the first few weeks, don't hesitate in scheduling a time with the teacher and asking whether additional measures are needed. Sometimes, visits with the school counselor or special "buddy friendships" are all that is needed to turn that frown into a big smile. Your kids will adjust with time, and school personnel know lots of strategies of winning over even the most reluctant learners!
