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Back-to-School Tips

by San Diego Bargain Mama

Summer routines are replaced with school day routines, and with a puff of smoke we are thinking back-to-school time!  Whether we, as parents, work outside the home or stay at home, whether we have school-age kids or pre-school youngsters…all families have to reckon with the seasonal transition.  Any way you slice it, active families merging from ”the play season“ to the ”get back to work“ season all know that changes needed to be made, and routines, set.  They can be rocky at times, but also smooth sailing.  Here are some ideas of how to aid in a successful transition, so that it does not have to be a huge challenge:

Establish a Routine

Establish a schedule that you can stick with.  Decide what the naptime and bedtime schedules are.  Has one of your kids outgrown naptime?  Maybe consider still keeping that peaceful time as reading or homework time, especially if there are others sleeping.  When and what are the snacking and television watching routines, and how are they regulated?  When is dinner typically, and can you all as a family unite at that time? Likewise, create consistent routines that build responsibility; for example assign alternating tasks or chores to your kids. 

Get Organized

Will they have a specific tray or area to leave you forms that need to be filled out from school?  Brainstorm ideas on how to designate areas for your kids’ gear, backpacks, school supplies and papers.  Perhaps you will have a tray for in-coming papers/letters that need your signature and to be returned to school, or for homework/projects that need looking over.  Maybe you’ll have an ”out-box“ for things as well.  Ask folks with several kids at home what works for them, as they are the experts!  Establish what the routine will be for taking lunches/snacks to school, or if they will be eating at school, where will the money or lunch cards be regularly placed?  A good backpack with many pockets (and even wheels) does wonders!  For the little ones, check backpacks daily, as kids have a tendency to collect everything (even ants) inside! Likewise, having a family calendar is key for accountability, keeping everyone privy to each other’s schedules, and for not over-scheduling our kids and ourselves!

Create a Study Zone

Determine where homework is going to be done, where your kids will place their backpacks daily, and what their designated (well-lighted) study area will be.  Supervise their internet use, and know what they are logging on to.  How involved will you be in participating with their work and how much of it would you want them to do independently?  Keep in mind that homework is NOT supposed to be a struggle; actually it is sent for the purpose of reinforcement! If this is not the case (or if your kids are spending too much time doing homework) look into it! Ultimately, the parents are the ones who instill the responsibility of making sure that their children complete the work and return it to school. Some homework clubs, tutoring programs, and publicly funded programs are available in the community, and might be a helpful resource.  Parents who are regularly, and personally involved and participatory in their children’s education help produce successful students.

Give an Emotional Check-up

Lastly, check in emotionally with your kids.  Emotions run very high during these times. Kids display their anxiety and excitement in ways that are typically unusual for them!  Ask what their ”highs“ and ”lows“ were for the day.  For young kids: use words, pictures, and even songs to help give them a voice.  One child can experience the school day side-by-side with his/her peer and go home frustrated and hostile, while the other goes home jumping for joy!  Each child is different!

Get Involved

Take a few field trips to your children’s schools, mingle with the other parents, and get a true feel of the schoolyard, the classroom environment, and the teachers’ expectations.  Find a way that you can comfortably participate in your child’s/children’s educational career, and stay consistent.  Whether you are part of the PTA, volunteer in the classroom, participate in fundraisers, help at an event…whatever it is, your efforts will make a big difference!  You are your children’s greatest role model, and you hold one of the most powerful positions in the world!