How to Prepare to Return Your Children to School

As summer draws to a close, soon the school buses will be pulling up to curbs and school bells will be ringing. The big question for parents is: are your kids ready to return to school? After any break, whether it is winter or summer vacation, returning to school after having so much time off can be somewhat difficult for children. No child wants to leave the dog days of summer freedom behind, but returning to school is inevitable. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help your children adjust to returning to school.

School Schedule in Advance

One of the best ways to get your children back into school mode is to put them back on a school schedule. One month before school begins, have your children get up in the morning as if they were already going to school. In addition, make them retire to bed at a reasonable time so that when it is finally time to return to school, you will not have any issues about what time to wake up and what time to go to sleep.

This method will ensure that your children are aware ahead of time that they will no longer be able to sleep in late or go to bed at later hours. Setting up your children's new school routine will help prevent confusion and headaches for you when school begins.

Shopping for School

Another way to get your children ready for school is to let them participate in back to school shopping. Allow them to shop with you for their school supplies and school clothes. Involving your children in the back to school process will make them feel that they have something to which they can look forward.

Talk it Out

Finally, have a talk with your children about going back to school. Particularly for smaller children, this can be a very emotional time. If you have just moved to a new city and your children don't know anyone at school, it is important to talk about their fears. Perhaps they are worried about making friends or finding their way around school

Listening to your children's questions and concerns about beginning a new school year can open the door for communication now and in the future. Take the time to understand their concerns and do everything that you can to help alleviate anxiety.

Beyond these simple steps, there are many other strategies that you can use to help prepare your children for school. Having them involved in sports throughout the summer, meeting other classmates prior to starting at a new school, and including educational activities throughout vacation are all great tips to help your young students transition back to school. Most importantly, be there for your children before and after school and be an open ear to listen about their day.
 

Source:

Parents. 10 Ways to Prepare Your Child for School. Accessed October 26th, 2012.