When the school year starts, your child will probably return fearing math class, the lunchroom mystery meat and being labeled a geek for wearing clothes that went out of fashion last week. A child starting kindergarten or first grade will also fear isolation, not making friends and being unable to find the restroom.
Whatever age your child is, you can help alleviate first-day jitters by helping the student plan for a new school year. By planning ahead, you will reinforce the importance of school and ease the worries of a new school year.
But remember: The amount of planning help a student wants differs by education level. An elementary school child needs plenty of help, while a middle school child expects a bit more freedom. An older student might not want Mom and Dad to make any fuss, but parents should find ways to stay involved because high school presents more choices; from deciding which classes to take to choosing after-school activities.
Here's how you can prepare your child for a new school year:
- Two weeks before the school year begins again, start getting your child back in the habit of going to bed, rising and eating meals at set times. All youngsters need time to adjust to school schedules after summer activities.
- Make a special trip to the store to buy school supplies; let the back-to-schooler pick out a backpack or lunch box.
- Make a side trip to a clothing store and buy your child a new outfit for the first day.
- On a calendar, start counting down the days till school begins.
- Plan a special back-to-school dinner with your child's help. Rise early and prepare a favorite breakfast on the first day of school.