BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FOR PARENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS  FOR PARENTS

Getting back to school should be an enjoyable and positive experience for children, they should be given the opportunity to make new friends and experience new things. Parents need preparation too; stocking school supplies, organizing the home for new routine and time adjustment to ensure punctuality of the child.

Parents need to know that children are more likely to cope successfully with the transition to school if they’ve had positive experiences away from their home and familiar adults.

These handy tips will help parents prepare their kids for school after the holidays.

1.   Return to a routine  .:  As the start of school draws near, children need to get back into a routine. When your child is about to start school in a week, have him go to bed an hour earlier at night and get up an hour earlier in the morning. By developing a bedtime routine, your child will be less resistant to the early morning wake-up calls to get ready for school. In addition, if you're not already doing this, have your child lay out his clothes before he goes to bed. That will teach him to get organized and be prepared in case he (or you) are running late in the morning. At least a week before school starts, return to the wake-up time, bedtime, and meal times you normally follow during the school year. Be ready in the kitchen by stockpiling quick, healthy snack and dinner recipes.

2.   Prepare the supplies - Depending on your child's class, the type of supplies needed will vary. Go over the supplies /stationery list sent by the school. Visit the school tuck shop to make necessary payments that will help your child to start on the right note. Running helter skelter on the first day of school does not provide the right condition necessary for learning. Preparation is the watch word. You should contact the school directly at least a week before resumption to ensure your child is prepared for the next school term.

3.   Get your house ready: You can do this by dedicating an area for homework.Make sure your child's home-work area is comfortable, tidy, and well stocked with lots of age-specific supplies(pencils, pens, felt pens, note pads etc). Prepare a box in which your child can deposit school notes and notices to your attention. Hang a calendar and lunch menus on the refrigerator and special hooks for backpacks near the door. Make sure their study zone is free of distractions. Their desk and computer should be in a quiet place where you can monitor it. Time to turn off Facebook, iChat, cellphones, TVs and all other distractions that keep kids from fully focusing on the task at hand.

4.   Talk to the kids: Heading back to school also means getting back on a school schedule. Take some time with your kids to discuss how the daily routine will change when they return to school, and make it easier to make the transition. Look at your calendar now, and pencil in plans to get involved at your child's school — the rewards are immeasurable. Before your schedule fills up, talk to the teacher, Head-Teacher or principal and find out what kinds of periodic assistance they need for child to do better academically this term.

5.   Designate a set time for studying: Whether it’s a certain hour of the afternoon or right after dinner, establish a time dedicated to studying each day. You won’t believe the difference it makes and kids actually like the structure. They want to do well, too!

Hope you found these tips helpful.

Please remember to drop your comments.

Have a fruitful term ahead.

Taiwo AB (Mrs)

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