July 31, 2023
It’s that time of year again – back to school season. As a parent, this can be a tricky time. You want to make sure your kids are ready for the new school year and have everything they need, but at the same time, you don’t want to overwhelm them. So, how do you strike that balance? In this guide, we’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of getting your kids ready for a new school year, so you can approach this time with confidence and ease.
Do: Make a checklist. Before you start shopping for school supplies, sit down with your child and make a list of everything they need. This way, you can ensure you don’t forget anything and can stick to a budget. Plus, involving your child in the process will help them feel more in control and excited for the new school year.
Don’t: Wait until the last minute. It’s tempting to put off back to school shopping until the week before, but this can lead to unnecessary stress and expense. Instead, start early and tackle one task at a time. For example, buy one or two items of clothing each week leading up to the start of the school year. In addition, you can look for the sales on school supply items. Many stores have sales throughout the summer with different items on sale each week.
Do: Get organized. Set up a designated homework area in your home, stock up on healthy snacks for after school, and create a schedule that includes time for homework, play, and relaxation. By establishing routines, you can help your child feel more in control and less anxious about the transition back to school. It is also an important life skill that your child can start to learn.
Don’t: Overload your child’s schedule. It’s easy to get excited about all the extracurricular activities and clubs available at school, but it’s important to recognize your child’s limits. Overloading their schedule can lead to burnout and ultimately hinder their academic success. Start with one or two activities and adjust as needed.
Do: Focus on the positive. It’s normal for kids to feel nervous or anxious about the start of a new school year. Instead of downplaying their fears or concerns, validate them and offer supportive words. Try to focus on the positive aspects of the new school year, such as reuniting with friends or new academic opportunities.
Don’t: Talk badly about the school, teacher, or curriculum in front of your child. It is normal to have your own opinions, but your child has to deal with these things on a daily basis. While you might be able to change some things, you cannot change everything. It is always easier to deal with something if you go in without negative thoughts about it.
Do: Help your child develop a positive growth mindset. Remind them that the new school year is an opportunity to grow and learn new things. It is normal to make mistakes while learning and they help us to improve.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can help your child ease into the new school year with confidence and excitement. Remember, back to school season can be stressful, but with the right mindset and approach, it can also be a time of growth and new beginnings.
