Beat the Back to School Blues |
- Ask how your child feels heading back to school and assure him or her that nervousness is normal and to be expected.
- Talk about what they can expect to happen on the first day, such as meeting new teachers, classroom structure, re-acquaintance with friends, lessons, subjects, homework, time periods and breaks.
- Involve children in purchasing and organizing back to school items, or better still, surprise them with I.D. that elevates their self-esteem. At Identity Direct, for example you can order any number of back to school supplies - from books, pencils, cases, rulers, lunchboxes, bags, vinyl and iron-on labels - all of them ready to be beautifully imprinted with your child's name. For parents, this kind of I.D. is quick and convenient. For kids, their stuff will be really cool.
- Try to be available to talk about first day experiences. Listen to what your child is communicating and solve budding problems. Keep positive and speak of school in exciting terms.
- Talk about learning goals and how that affects homework and studying time.
- Be firm about bedtimes, which should be re-established at least one week before school begins.
- Show confidence in your child with every step of his or her education.
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