First Days of School

Whether it is back-to-school time or you're switching to a new school mid-year, It is especially important to start those first few days out right. Are you blazing the trail with your first child in Kindergarten or are your kids moving right along in their educational career? Any way you look at it, they will need your help navigating through the transition successfully.

From year to year, schools make changes to policies and procedures. There are new things to know about. More than likely your child will have a different teacher this year, as well. That teacher might even be new to the school. If so, the two will be learning the ropes together--your child and the teacher!

Back-to-school jitters are normal. Normal for students. Normal for teachers. Normal for parents. There is a combination excitement-anxiety that just comes with the territory. The wonderful thing about a new school is that everything is fresh. A clean slate! The lumps and bumps of the previous school experience are behind you and this is your opportunity as a family to start out on a better foot.

Parents, minimize the stress by being well-prepared. Here are some tips that will help your family get off to a great start:

Learn the Routines. Is there a school newsletter? How does the teacher communicate with you at home? It is important to recognize that the back pack will be a source of valuable items for you to see. Find out what nights information is sent home and what evenings you can let it slide.

In the beginning, check the back pack with your child every day. Engage them in the process.They need to understand the importance of everything that is being sent home.

Teachers and administrators are also becoming more technologically engaged. There may be online means of communication from your child's school but then the ownership of getting that information weighs heavily on you. They can post it or email it but if you aren't looking for it, you will be left uninformed.

School Calendar. Be sure that you get a copy of the yearly calendar and keep it in a convenient place that works for you. Some families use their refrigerator as a bulletin board. Put it there. Others use a binder for important school communications. As long as it won't be forgotten in that binder, binders can be a wonderful organizing tool. Don't hesitate to ask for a second copy, or make one yourself. For parents who work outside of the home, it helps to have one copy at home and one at work.

Family Calendar. Coordinate your family's schedule on one calendar at home. Give each family member their own color and write in important school events and other obligations such as doctor's appointments, sports practices and games, music lessons, scout troop meetings, church, birthdays, holidays, etc. Anything that impacts your family, including the dog, should go on there. Put it in a prime location that everyone can refer to easily.

Keep track of events. You'd be surprised how many families of school-age children lose track of even the biggest events. School concerts, Open House Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, report cards, days that school is closed. Write them down. What about the repeat performances like Show 'n Tell Day, Dress Down Day, field trips, special food events where money is needed or perhaps you are the parent to send in the snack? Be prepared at all times and look like a champ!

Remember their stuff. Little children are just getting started at remembering things. Being ill-prepared puts your child on shaky ground. So, parents, teach them how to be prepared by doing a lot of it for them. Develop an evening and morning routine that will keep everything in order and at hand.

Evening Routine: getting ready for bed is more than getting ready for bed, it also includes being ready for the next day. Incorporate in the before-bed process the following:

• Homework completed, in a folder and in the backpack. Check their assignments early enough in the evening to be assured that everything that needs to be done is done.
• Lunch made and/or lunch money in their ready to go.
• Clean, wrinkle-free school clothes & accessories collected and in one place.
• Special clothing--gym uniforms, sports equipment, outer wear--also ready.
• Check the family calendar for other next-day items that need to be done the night before.
• Cuddle-time. For little ones, this is literal. Snuggle up with a story book and get close. With your older children, still take special time to hear about their day and encourage them that they're doing great.

Morning Routine: a good breakfast is essential to having a great day. Be sure that your children eat a healthy, balanced meal before starting out the door. Time with you is also important. Program in your breakfast, at the table with them. Make the connection and always get in a hug and kiss before you all go on your way. Tell them that you love them.

Parents, keep a school binder. This binder is for you. Important papers like newsletters and the school calendar, need to be in a handy location where you can get your hands on them.

The Homework Box: this is your child's work station. Find out the materials that the teacher expects them to use regularly and keep them in a sturdy, plastic box. Pens, pencils, erasers, protractor, ruler, scissors, glue stick, colored pencils,crayons markers, stapler, calculator should all be there.

Send in spare clothes. Young children in preschool and kindergarten may be potty trained but accidents do happen. Send in a clean pair of pants, shirt, underwear and socks to keep in their cubby just in case. This "disaster prevention" will be a quick fix for your child and prevent you from having to leave work abruptly to bring in a change of clothes.

Eat well and sleep well. A balanced, nutritious diet and plenty of sleep is important for your child. It will help them to stay healthy, have energy and be focused.

Volunteer to help in the classroom. There is no better way to help your child to do well in school than getting involved yourself. Offer to help in the classroom, chaperone on field trips and be a support. Enjoy being a part of school wherever your time will allow.