August 2009 Parent Newsletter

Transitioning Back to School

The transition into a new school year can be difficult for some children. Not only are they used to the carefree days of summer, but they are also accustomed to looser bedtime and mealtime routines. Now it's time for them to return to the classroom, which involves greater levels of activity, structure and pressure.

Parents can help ease their children's transition back to school by planning ahead and maintaining a positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions that might help make a difference in your child's outlook about returning to school:

Purchase school supplies early
Let your children lead this activity. Take the school supply list with you and let them choose what appeals to them, within reason. This is also a good time to teach them how to be smart consumers. For example, ask them to choose the packet of pencils that offers the most pencils for the best price.

Begin preparing for the first day
There are a few things you can do one week before school starts to help your children feel prepared and ready for their first day. First, pack their new school supplies in their backpacks and select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. Second, re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines. Explain how routines help the entire family avoid becoming overtired or overwhelmed with school activities.

Designate a place to do homework
Find a quiet area in the house where you can monitor, supervise and encourage them as they do homework. Even though school has not begun, allow your children to use this place now to play quiet games, do puzzles or color. This will help ease them into the learning process.

Freeze a few of your child's favorite dinners
You have enough to worry about the first week of school, so pulling one of your child's favorite meals from the freezer is a welcomed respite from household tensions. Plus, she will be thrilled you made the effort to make the first week even more special with her favorite foods.

Visit school with your child
If your child is young or new to the school, visit the school together. Chat with teachers and walk through a few classrooms. Show him where the restroom is and where he'll eat lunch.

Be positive about school
Talk to your children about the good things that happen at school and share some of your positive experiences. Also share the anxieties you experienced and how you resolved them. It's important they know the anxious feelings they might have are shared universally. There will be more on this topic in next month's newsletter.