Tips to transitioning your child from summer back to school....
Tips to transitioning your child from summer back to school....
Good physical and mental health. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Discuss any concerns you have over your child’ s emotional or psychological development with your pediatrician. Your doctor can help determine if your concerns are normal, age-appropriate issues or require further assessment. Schools appreciate the efforts of parents to remedy problems as soon as they are recognized.
Review all of the information. Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. Room numbers, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities are always included in the information packets.
Mark your calendar. Make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights. You will more than likely receive a calendar for the year, place the calendar on the refrigerator to keep those important dates within eye sight.
Make copies. Copy all your child’ s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.
Buy school supplies early. Purchase supplies as early as possible and fill the backpacks a week or two before school starts. Note, some teachers may require specific supplies, so save receipts for items that you may need to return later.
Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Re-establish routines( especially breakfast) at least 1 week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities.
Turn off the TV. r. Television is distracting for many children, and your child will arrive at school better prepared to learn each morning if he or she has engaged in less passive activities.
Minimize clothes shopping woes. Buy only the essentials. Summer clothes are usually fine during the early fall, but be sure to have at least one pair of sturdy shoes. Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines. Common concerns include extremely short skirts and shorts, low rise pants, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap or halter tops, exposed undergarments, and clothing that have antisocial messages.
Ted Feinberg, EdD, NCSP, & Katherine C. Cowan National Association of School Psychologists Back to school transitions tips for parents www. nasponline. org 2004