Heading off to school is a big moment for both children and their parents.
Whether your child is heading off to preschool for the first time, or finishing their final year of high school, making sure they feel ready is always helpful.
And that can be surprisingly easy to do! Plan some fun first-day-of-school activities to celebrate the occasion, set a solid routine for upcoming days, and
Here are five tips on preparing your child for the school year:
Understand That Feeling Nervous Is Normal
Feeling nervous about the first day of school isn’t exclusive to toddlers and preschoolers diving into a preschool program at World Kids School.
Older children heading into a different grade will often have some anxiety about the new school year as well.
Encourage them to talk about their feelings, and any fears that they might have. Often, just sharing their thoughts may help them feel more comfortable.
If possible, consider also arranging a meeting with the teacher before school starts, or taking a tour of the school and classroom to get a feel for the environment.
Most of all, be patient as your child works through their nervousness. Chances are good that their fears will quickly dissipate when the school year starts.
Stock Up on School Supplies
Leaving school supply shopping to the last minute can be both stressful and more expensive. Instead, start early to help ensure a smooth transition into the classroom.
Start by going through any supplies from the previous year that can be used again for the upcoming school year. Items like binders, pencil cases, rulers, and calculators can be used year-after-year.
Then, you’re ready to look for deals on other supplies your child will need. Try to set a reasonable budget before you start shopping.
Getting school supplies purchased and organized as early as possible is an easy way to help ensure your child is ready to head to class, and it will likely save you money as well!
Establish a Daily Routine
A solid routine for school days provides a variety of benefits to kids.
First, a predictable routine helps children to feel safe and cared for. Knowing what to expect each day helps minimize anxiety and improve organization.
A sensible daily routine also helps ensure that your children’s needs are met each day, by providing set times for meals, chores, homework, and sleep.
Keep in mind that children may need up to 10 hours of sleep each night.
One of the best ways to ensure they’re getting the rest they require is to stick to a regular bedtime and wakeup time each day as part of your daily routine.
Gear Up for School Sports
School sports provide a wonderful opportunity for children to participate in physical activities, cultivate their personality, and enjoy social interaction.
Before the school sports season kicks off, brainstorm the available options with your child to help see what sports might pique their interest.
This is a great way to get your child excited about the upcoming school year, and can help ensure they stay motivated throughout the year.
If your child has a special passion for one particular sport, consider investing in extra lessons or training prior to the start of the school sports season, as well.
Preparing a child for school can be a surprisingly easy job, and ensuring your child is excited to start the year is worth any effort.
Just make sure your child knows they can always come to you about any concerns, and that you’ll always be proud of their efforts!