With summer vacation coming to an end, parents and children are spending time getting ready to head back to school. The back to school routine includes things like; new school supplies, new shoes, haircuts, and maybe even some special end-of-summer outings. There are some other things that parents can do for themselves and their children to ensure a smooth transition into the school year, too. Take a look below at few ways to get this year off to a great start in your house.
Set up a bedtime and wake-up routine in advance. If possible, it’s best to establish bedtimes and wake-up times two weeks in advance of the start of school.
Plan healthy lunches and snacks. The better you plan out the meals in your home, the healthier choices you will make for your children. When you pack protein-rich snacks and lunches, balanced with fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome items, you ensure that your children will have the energy and brainpower to make it through their school days.
Organize clothing. Of course you will need to donate or otherwise get rid of the clothing that your children have outgrown, but you should also take the time to carefully organize what is left. From there, decide what items you may need more of before school begins.
Update medical records. Make sure teachers and administrators have a complete list of updated immunization records and any medical concerns regarding your children, including allergies. You will also want to be sure that all emergency contacts are up to date.
Talk to your children about bullying. Make sure your children understand the right way to treat their peers, and when to speak up if they see someone else being bullied. Also make sure they know when to come to you if they feel they are being bullied.
Ask your children about their concerns. The start of school is exciting, but can also bring some anxiety—especially when it comes to the unknown. Take a few minutes to ask your children what they are most looking forward to during the school year, and what things may be worrying them. By giving them a forum to express their concerns, you can help them work through any worries in advance of school starting and clear up any issues that could lead to a bumpy start to the year.
Written by: Cheryl Fillion, Wee Watch Orleans Supervisor
Resource: https://www.sparkpe.org/blog/8-essential-back-to-school-tips-for-parents/