Back to school tips for parents
Getting ready for a new school year can be a challenge for both parents and children. The weeks leading up to the big day are filled with excitement and jitters. As a parent, it’s understandable that you want to help make your child’s first day smooth. That’s why we, the teachers at Bilingual Bridges, have gathered some tips to help our students have an enjoyable and stress-free first day.
Implement healthy habits
Establishing a bedtime routine and choosing nutritious lunches and snacks for your kids is essential to ensure a successful school year. If your kids didn’t have a routine over the summer, it’s time to start one, as it takes weeks to establish a consistent bedtime and waking-up schedule. Having a routine provides a sense of security for kids and helps them feel at ease. Quality food is necessary for kids to have enough energy to learn, play sports, and enjoy activities with friends. Involving kids in choosing their healthy lunches and snacks and allowing them to pack their lunch boxes can be a fun way to help them develop healthy eating habits.
Take your time to visit the new school or classroom
If there are any orientation meetings, try to attend and bring your kids along. Let them explore the playground, wander through the school hallways, and visit their future classroom. It’s normal for children to feel anxious about new experiences, but remember, this is also a time for them to feel excited and curious. So, encourage them to ask questions, point out things they find interesting, and share their thoughts. This practice can help ease their worries and build their anticipation for the new school year.
Commuting to school
If you’re not driving your kids to school, it’s essential to focus on safety, whether they are taking the school bus, walking, or biking. As a parent, your child’s safety is your top priority. There are steps you can take to ensure their safety. If your child is walking or biking, make sure they know the route home, talk to them about traffic rules, and practice the route with them before allowing them to go independently. If your child is taking the school bus, discuss the importance of listening to the bus driver and monitors, wearing a seatbelt if available, and staying seated until the bus’s destination. Taking these measures can help you feel secure and confident about your child’s safety during their commute to school.
Establish good studying and homework habits
Even with after-school activities like sports and drama, kids need to learn to be responsible for their school work and prioritize what’s important. It helps them take an active role in their learning and builds confidence and independence from a young age. You can guide them by setting up a schedule for doing homework and letting them know they can have fun after finishing their schoolwork. An agenda or checklist, whether physical or digital, can also help them stay organized. Encourage and reward your kids when they use these tools.
Backpack and Stationery
It is important to take the time to find the right backpack and stationery for your kids. A comfortable backpack can prevent back problems for your children. Make sure the backpack is the right size and has the necessary functionality. Shopping for backpacks and new stationery can be exciting for kids. You can turn it into a fun celebration and get your kids excited about going to school.
Communication with your kids
As your kids head back to school, it’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open. Encouraging them to share their feelings and emotions will help them feel more at ease and ready to take on the new school year. Building this trust will make it easier for them to confide in you about their day-to-day experiences. And let’s not forget to make the first day of school a special celebration, emphasizing all the positive adventures that await them!
– Written by Maria Sara Arias – Bilingual Curriculum Specialist at Bilingual Bridges
