Let’s Get Ready For Back-To-School!

Back-To-School Tips For Parents & Caregivers

It doesn’t matter if your child is getting ready for the first day of Kindergarten or the last year of high school, there is a lot to do. Getting back into the habit of routines for sleeping, making lunch, doing homework, etc. might take a little time. We have some ideas to help.

Routines Are Everything

If your kids have been staying up later during the summer, they may have trouble returning to their sleep schedule. For younger kids, setting a pre-bedtime routine can help. That can include bathing, reading, and brushing their teeth before bedtime. Involve your child in setting up the new routine, then write it down and go over it periodically with your child.

Safety

This time of year is a good time to review safety rules, including how to cross a street and where, not talking to strangers, and wearing a helmet when they ride a bike. If it will be a new route for your child, take a practice walk so they will be familiar with it. Review bus safety with your child: waiting for the bus to stop before stepping off the curb; looking both ways before crossing the street to get on the bus; using safety belts if the bus has them; and getting on and off the bus at safe locations.

Backpacks can cause neck, head, and muscle pain if they are too heavy or not worn properly. Choose one with padded straps and adjust it to fit the child, making sure to align the bottom of it with the child’s waist. Remind them not to carry it on one shoulder. Show them all of the compartments and discuss how they can use them for their school supplies.

Other Thoughts

• Be sure to share any important medical information with the school and your child’s teacher(s).
• Limit screen time and supervise internet use as appropriate.
• Encourage your child to talk to you about any problems they are experiencing including difficulty seeing or hearing clearly, not understanding a lesson, and bullying.
• Get to know your child’s teacher(s) and learn where to find online ways to follow students’ progress or find assignment information.
• Talk with your child about healthy meals and snacks before and after school. Let them choose some things and tell you about things they don’t like. That will cut down on wasted food and ensure your child is getting nutritious snacks.
• Help your kids with homework, but don’t do it for them.

Getting a head start can help you avoid problems and misunderstandings later!