School is almost here and with it comes a mixture of excitement and
trepidation both on the part of the child and parent. It is important that
the first day of school go well. It is your child’s first chance to make an
impression on the teacher and learn about their new classroom.
Here are some ideas for preparing your child for the first day of school to
make it a great one.
Visit the classroom before school starts. Take the time to visit your child’s
classroom and teacher before school starts. Having your child meet their
teacher and find their desk before school starts helps relieve a lot of stress
on that first day. If your child is starting middle or high school, encourage
them to walk around the school: find their locker, classes, lunchroom, and locate
bathrooms.
Get into a routine. A few days before school starts get back into the school
routine. Require your child to get up early, get dressed, and eat breakfast.
This will help them be ready for that first day. Don’t rush back from a family
vacation or other experience. This won’t allow your child any time to get back
into the routine.
Get enough sleep. Sleep helps ensure that your child will be awake and ready to
learn. Most children need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Many children stay up
later during the summer so it is important to start the transition to an early
bedtime a few weeks before school starts. Put your children to bed ten minutes
earlier than you have been for a few days. Then repeat this until your kids are
going to bed at their school bedtime. It is also important that if your children
are sleeping in you start waking them up ten minutes earlier at a time as well.
You want their body to be adjusted to going to bed earlier and waking up earlier
by the time school starts.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Start out the day right by filling up your child’s
stomach. Include some protein with your child’s breakfast. It will help them
feel full longer. Children often get used to snacking during the summer, so
you may want to send a snack that your child can eat during morning recess.
Be prepared. Pack your child’s backpack the night before so it is ready to go.
Include lunch money or pack a lunch if your child is picky like mine. Lay out
your child’s clothes and shoes as well. This helps prevent those last minute
scrambles for missing items.
Consider some new clothes. Growing up I always selected my outfit for the
first day of school very carefully. I wanted to wear my cutest clothes because
this was the first time many of my classmates were going to see me since the
school year ended. Wearing clothing that makes you feel good is also a great
confidence builder.
Pay attention. The first day is when the teacher usually goes over the class
rules and procedures. Make sure that your child understands that they need to
pay attention. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure about
anything.
The first day of school can be scary but if your child is prepared the
experience will be a lot easier.
