I’ve been a junior high and high school teacher for five years. As a teacher, I have over 100 new students every year. I also have a son, who is going into fifth grade this year. Including pre-K, I’ve gotten him ready for a new school year seven times now.
The back-to-school season can be hectic for everyone, but there are things that can make it easier. From my perspective as a mom and a teacher, these are the seven things I’d recommend every parent do to prepare themselves and their child for the start of a new school year.
Be in touch with your child’s school
Your child’s school wants you to be informed, and to do that, they need to be able to get in touch with you. Make sure they have your current contact information.
If you have just moved to a new area or your child is transitioning schools, visit the new school at the start of summer and provide them with all of your information. Over the summer, the school will tell you about important dates, such as registration dates and the teacher meet-and-greet event.
Adopt the school year bedtime and wake-up routine early
At least one to two weeks before the start of the school year, I program my family ahead of the first day of school to go to bed and wake up at the times we’ll need to during the school year. This helps us adjust to our new schedule before it actually happens and allows the beginning of school to feel less shocking.
Prepare your child for new things
Your child may be going to a new school this year, or they could be switching from you dropping them off and picking them up to taking the bus to school to and from school. Children transitioning from elementary to junior high will now have to switch classrooms all day.
Whatever new element your child may have to negotiate this year, try to provide them with the opportunity to practice, and talk about the change with them more than once. For example, if your child might be walking or biking to school for the first time, consider practicing their route with them before the start of school.
Meal plan and shop the week before
Schedules change once school is back in session. Think about what everyone will be doing for breakfast, whether or not anyone needs a packed lunch for school, and what you’ll have for dinner throughout the week. People tend to forget how hectic mornings can become, so if everyone has breakfast at home, plan on quick things that everyone likes to eat.
If your child brings lunch, make sure you’ve gotten groceries the week before the first day. For dinner, some kids are ravenous by the end of the day. Think about what meals you can quickly throw together that are healthy and comforting.
Try to take care of errands a couple of weeks beforehand
Do not wait until the weekend before the first day of school to take your child on all of the back-to-school errands, like getting school supplies, buying new clothes and shoes, or getting a haircut.
Taking care of these things a couple of weeks beforehand gives you and your child time to mentally prepare for the start of the year. Planning ahead gives you both adequate time to feel prepared and ease into the change.
Schedule appointments during the summer
The start of summer is the right time to schedule your child’s medical appointments, like annual physicals, dental exams, and any other specialist appointments. Since I’m a teacher, I try to do the same for myself.
I used to resent having to use summertime for this, but I’ve realized that it’s so much less stressful to take care of these appointments without having to worry about missing school and getting doctor’s notes. Plus, considering summertime as check-up time is a great way to remember all of your appointments and not let anything fall by the wayside.
Check in with each other
Bedtimes, meals together, and car rides are good times for me to ask my son how he’s feeling about going back to school. Thankfully, he’s usually excited about seeing his friends, but I can tell he’s still a little nervous. Allowing him to talk about his concerns helps alleviate his anxiety.
I have found that even the most confident children still get nervous about starting a new school year. And no matter how many years I’ve been a teacher and parent, I still get nervous, too. Checking in with myself periodically goes a long way. I tell myself it’s normal to be anxious about something new, but we’ve done this before, and it’s always fine.
I’ve heard many teachers beg parents not to cry on the first day of school, but that has never sat well with me. I also get choked up no matter how old my son gets. So, instead, I recommend smiling big and encouraging your child when you say goodbye for the day. But when they can’t see you, let it all out.
I have over 100 students waiting for me at my school to be brave for, so I have a good cry in my car after I drop my son off and put that smile right back on. Parents should rest assured that, as teachers, we really want students to have a good day and an awesome school year, too.
The post I’m a teacher and parent, and I know how stressful the back-to-school season can be. Here are 7 tips to make things easier. appeared first on Business Insider.
