Back To School Tips

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THE RETURN TO SCHOOL

Well, it's very nearly that time again, time to get back into the routine of school. For some parents this will be a relief and for others a sadness. Whichever one it is, it is important to prepare our kids.

Here are some back to school tips that will make this time easier for both you and your children.

Back to school TIPs 1

Introduce your child's bedtime routines for school term times, the last week or two of holiday. This helps children particularly younger children, to get into a good settled routine. Buy a little alarm clock for your children. Some children really enjoy having the independence of setting an alarm and getting up to it in the mornings. Let them practise with it before the school term starts.

TIP 2

Think about having a back to school party or even just having some school friends around for tea or for an afternoons play. This way your children can re-establish friendships before they enter the classroom.

TIP 3

Check through your childrens clothes. Have they got enough white or black socks? Is their underwear ok? Make a checklist of items you may need:.

• Socks
• Underwear
• Blazer if required
• School sweatshirt or jumper
• Polo shirt or shirt or blouse.
• School trousers or skirt
• Tie if required
• Shoes
• Coat

• Pumps
• Shorts
• Tshirts for pe

Other school supplies needed:

• Lunchbox
• Bookbag
• Backpack
• Hairbands
• Stationary equipment which will vary depending on age of your child.

Some schools may have additional requirements especially for sports. You should receive a list of these either before or after your child has started the school term

Back to school TIPs 4

Get your children involved in buying back to school supplies, and uniforms. This often creates some interest in returning to school especially if you allow your children to choose their own pencil cases, lunchboxes, backpacks etc

TIP 5

If your child is worried about returning to school, try reminding them of some of the good things that they did the previous term. Do listen carefully to worries your children might have, make sure they feel able to approach you if they are having difficulties.

Remind your child that they should speak to their teacher if they are being bullied or are finding things difficult. It is very important that your children feel that they have a voice and that they are being listened to if they do voice a concern It is often easy for us to brush off our childrens concerns which will have an impact. We need to help build self confidence and esteem in our children.

TIP 6

If your child has problems with leaving you, try some of these strategies:

• Let your child have a watch, teach them what time you will be fetching them.
• If they have a security blanket maybe chop a small piece off for them to carry in a pocket.
• Always make sure you say goodbye before you leave, this is important to build trust, don't sneak off.
• Try adding a little note to your child's lunchbox saying you love them.
• Walk to school with your child's friend, this may help with the transition from home to school.

Back to School TIPs 7

Get your child involved in organising packed lunches. Talk to them about healthy eating. Most schools now have a ban of crisps and chocolate. Try getting creative with back to school lunch ideas.

TIP 8

Always make sure you arrive on time to pick up your children. Most children hate to be the last child to be picked up.

TIP 9

If your child comes out of school wound up each day try letting them burn off some energy at the park before you go home. You may find your child especially in the first couple of years at school is ravenous and thirsty at the end of the school day. Be prepared to offer a snack once you get home. You may find you ward off trouble by taking along a drink and snack for your child to have as you journey home.

TIP 10

If your child has special needs or is very anxious try using a picture or word timetable to structure the day. Sometimes children are very nervous simply because they cannot visualise what their school day will be like.

You can do this starting from when they get up in the morning to going to bed at night. This certainly helped our autistic child to manage a little better.

TIP 11

If you are worried about your child at all then first stop is the teacher. Don't be afraid to ask questions and expect an answer. Rather than catch the teacher at the end of the day, ask for a meeting. That way you will not be rushed and will be able to focus.

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