Back-To-School Blueprint
Map out a smooth-running school year
Who doesn’t remember the thrill of cracking open a new box of crayons? The colors! The aroma!
“That magic box of brand new crayons will help your child get over school jitters like you wouldn’t believe,” suggests pediatrician Morissa Ladinsky, MD, of Group Health Associates.
By reinforcing the new school routine and providing a soft place to land at the end of the day, parents can help create the success that children can build on for a lifetime of learning.
Keep Communicating
“It’s normal for children – and parents – to be a little bit anxious at the start of a new school year. It’s important to let the children know you understand they’re worried, and that you’ll be here for them and can’t wait to hear about their day,” she says.
During after-school chats and family dinners, Dr. Ladinsky recommends open-ended rather than pointed questions about the child’s day.
“‘Tell me what you did at recess’ will work better than ‘What did you learn today?’ Children are not trying to shut you out; it’s just the way their brains work.”
Communication is vital, too, with the child’s new teacher, says Dr. Ladinsky. “Find out the ways the teacher prefers to communicate. Some like emails and texts, some prefer calls. Review your child’s progress at the first parent-teacher conference.”
Reinforce the Rules
For the new year, parents may want to reconsider the family’s structure and rules. Go over the school’s rules, and then tell your child about your plans at home. Where and when will your children do homework? What are the allowed times for video games, TV and computers?
Some children will want to take their hand-held video games with them on the bus. “I discourage it, because I think the school bus is a good time to talk and get the feel for the social structure of the school day,” she advises.
Dr. Ladinsky urges parents to work with their children to memorize their address, home phone number and their parents’ work and cell numbers. “Then put the numbers in the backpack, so the child knows exactly where they are.”
Also, discreetly tuck in a zip-top bag with extra underwear and pants, or give them to the teacher at Meet the Teacher. “Potty accidents happen.”
Stay Grounded
Each day, a young student is bombarded with dozens of new school experiences. One of the best decompression outlets may be a quiet snuggle at bedtime.
“As your child begins to settle into the year, try a book that addresses school issues, such as Arthur’s Back to School Day by Lillian Hoban, Sam and Gram and the First Day of School by George Ulrich, or First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Love,” she says.
“It’s important for children to know that they’re not the only ones who are a little nervous about back to school.”
