10 Tips to Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year

As we approach a new school year you need to take a step back and make sure you Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year. 

 

As we approach a new school year you need to take a step back and make sure you Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year. 

We all know it can be difficult for parents to find a balance between work and family.

No matter how organized or efficient we are, there are always stray work emails or texts that need to be answered.

With a bleep or ping, we easily find ourselves in a predicament where we have to weigh the needs of our kids against the demands of our careers.

This isn’t a new phenomena, but as a new school year dawns we might want to take a step back and make sure you Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year.

10 Tips to Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year

Sure, we might be giddily counting down the hours until the first school bell rings, but our children are facing a lot of unknowns which results in fear, stress, and anxiety.

They will be in a new class with a new teacher, possibly navigating the halls of a new school.

These changes are scary and can give children mixed emotions about heading back to school.

First Day Jitters

It’s normal for children to feel first day jitters, but with a little effort we can meet their needs while balancing our jobs. Scroll through the following 10 tips to mentally prepare our children for the school year:

Organize

As summer slips away, we can use structure to help kids feel in control and allow them to start the year on the right foot.

Alleviate some of the chaos and stress associated with school by helping kids match outfits ahead of time, designate a homework area, create a place for backpacks, gather school supplies, and develop an easy way to pack lunches.

Start School Year Bedtimes and Morning Wake-ups Early

Children need adequate amounts of sleep to function and learn, so avoid waiting until the night before the first day of school to start a new routine.

This will prevent early morning disasters and ensure the first few days of class will be a little less traumatic.

Let Kids Pick their New School Supplies

This simple act will get our boys and girls excited about learning and invested in their education.

It might be frustrating and time consuming, but it is well worth the effort.

As you shop, take advantage of this rite of passage to discuss the upcoming year to keep those precious communication lines open.

Attend Orientations or School Nights

These opportunities familiarize students with the school, classrooms, and teachers.

A majority of kids worry about simple things like where the bathrooms, lockers, and classes are located.

Avoid uncertainty by participating.

Avoid Negativity

We are our children’s role models and how we talk about teachers, classmates, administration, and education impacts their outlook.

Be careful about complaining, saying hurtful comments, or spreading gossip in front of kids.

Be positive and send the message school is a great opportunity.

 

What tips can you share that Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year?

 

Practice Making New Friends

Many kids have been on an extended break away from their classmates.

These children might be concerned they won’t have friends in class.

Erase their fears by teaching ways to properly introduce themselves, make new friends, ask others to play, look for ways to include others, and show kindness.

Role play scenarios or head to the local park to practice this valuable life skill.

Use Books and Movies to Prepare Kids for School

It’s no secret that school can be scary.

But we can mentally prepare children for the school year by taking advantage of media materials.

Using these resources is a beneficial strategy, because they model ways to develop empathy, talk about feelings, and identify with peers.

Books, movies, and songs provide a safe way to expose children to new experiences.

These new experiences can include school settings, expectations, and situations like bullying or making new friends.

Encourage Children to Talk about their Feelings

We want to begin an ongoing conversation about their excitements or concerns.

This is especially important during times of change like a new school year.

Make sure to listen and address any concerns they may have.

This is a vital step to empower them to overcome adversity and develop social and emotional skills that are vital to success in and out of the classroom.

Be Reassuring

Let them know that things will get better, we just need to give it a chance.

Reassuring your Child helps Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year.

Make sure to point out all the positives about school.

Help them look forward to the new experiences that await.

Create a Back to School Tradition

Find a new way to celebrate this annual event with fun first day traditions.

These can vary from first day photos, encouragements written in sidewalk chalk, or hosting a bus stop brunch.

Use this activity to encourage kids to look forward to a fresh beginning.

 

What tips can you share that Mentally Prepare your Child for the School Year?

Related reading; Essential Back to School Checklist, Help Your Child to Prepare for School , Enjoy an Amazing Trip to LEGOLAND California with Kids Go Free Offer, Back to School for a Shy Child and Back to School Celebration. 10 Unique jobs for Teenagers

 

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