Back to school tips for parents
A new school year means new opportunities , growth and seeing friends again . Picture : Education NSW .
Here ’ s the top five tips to help parents and carers of primary school children with back-to-school preparation by author Marianne Stenger . Full article published by Education NSW .
Going back to school after a few weeks of fun and relaxation is never easy , but kids aren ’ t the only ones who struggle with it . Parents also find it difficult and many experience emotions ranging from sadness to anxiety and even resentment .
Here are a few handy back-to-school tips that will make the transition smoother .
Encourage kids to set goals and take responsibility
Encouraging children to set goals and take responsibility for the upcoming school year is a great way to get in them in the right frame of mind . Research shows that kids who participate in setting learning goals are consistently more motivated and take learning more seriously .
Even younger children can be given simple goals to focus on , even if it ’ s just packing their backpack before bed each night . Engage with their curriculum If you want to help your child set appropriate learning goals , it ’ s important to engage with their curriculum and be aware of what they will be learning and are expected to be proficient in .
Most kids deal with some level of stress or anxiety about school . One survey found that 53 per cent of parents cite homework and schoolwork as the greatest driver of stress in their kids . But when parents are aware of what their kids will be learning , they ’ re better able to provide support and manage stress before school starts again . Ease into the routine a few days early During the holidays , schedules are usually more relaxed and kids get used to going to bed and waking up later , which is one of the things that can make the first few days of school difficult . It can help to ease into routine by starting a few days early , so that everyone is already used to waking up on time by the time school starts .
Get organised
The more organised you are the easier your first back to school mornings will be , so take the time to plan your morning routine in advance .
This may include figuring out what time you need to get up , what you ’ ll prepare for breakfast and laying out some outfits the night before . Lunches are also best prepared the night before . Have fun with it Look for ways to keep things fun , whether it ’ s upholding family traditions , such as family breakfast and reading or watching a TV series together , or looking for extracurricular activities the kids will enjoy , such as swimming , football or music and art .
Going shopping for new school supplies together and letting kids pick out their own pens , notebooks and other school supplies can also help them get excited about going back to school , even if it means the shopping trip might take a bit longer .
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