Essential Back-to-School Tips for Families

Before your child returns to school, follow these recommendations to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy year.

Make the first day of school easier for children.

. Take your youngster to see the new school or classroom before the first day of school. Attend as many orientations as possible and take advantage of the opportunity to explore the school. Consider taking your child to school a few days before class to play on the playground to make them feel at ease. Many youngsters are worried about new settings, such as transitioning to a new school, classroom, or instructor. Rehearsing before entering a new situation might be useful.

. Remind your child that teachers understand that pupils may be worried about their first day of school; they will go above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels as comfortable as possible. If your child is frightened, ask them what they are concerned about and assist them in problem-solving strategies to overcome the new scenario.

. Highlight the enjoyable aspects of beginning school to help your youngster look forward to the first day of class. Discuss how they will see old friends and make new ones, for example.

. Find a neighboring child with whom your child can walk to school or ride the bus. If you believe it is necessary, drive (or walk with) your child to school and pick them up on the first day. Get there early on the first day to avoid unneeded tension.

Create a good sleep routine.

. Help your child adjust to early bedtimes a week or two before the new school year begins; to help them settle into new routines. Set a set bedtime for your child and stick to it each night. Getting enough sleep is crucial for children’s health and academic performance. Inadequate sleep is associated with lower academic achievement, as well as increased rates of absenteeism and tardiness. (See “Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?”

. Create a consistent bedtime ritual to help your child relax and go asleep. For example, a relaxing pre-bedtime routine could include a bath/shower, reading with them, tucking them in, and saying goodnight.

. Ask your child to turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. When smaller children are trying to fall asleep, keep the home as peaceful and serene as possible.

Provide health food options during the school day.

. Children who had a nutritious breakfast do better. They do better in school, with more concentration and vigor. Some schools provide breakfast for children; if yours does not, ensure that they consume a protein-rich meal. If your child does not have time to eat, send them to school with a grab-and-go snack, such as a granola bar.

. Many children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school, including breakfast. The forms for these services can be filled out at the school office. Hunger has an impact on a child’s academic performance.

. Many school districts provide plans that allow you to pay for meals using an online account. Your child can acquire a card to “swipe” at the checkout. This is an easy way to manage student meal accounts.

. Examine what is available inside and outside the cafeteria; such as vending machines, a la carte, school stores, snack carts, and fundraisers held during the school day. They should stock nutritious items like fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, and water. Learn about your child’s school wellness policy and participate in school groups to put it into action. Consider nutrition if your child will be bringing food to school.

. When packing your child’s lunch, go for healthy beverages like water. Each 12-ounce soft drink has around 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda per day raises a child’s risk of obesity by 60 percent.

Avoid bullying at school.

Bullying or cyberbullying occurs when one youngster continually targets another child. Bullying can take various forms, including physical, verbal, and social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or on mobile devices such as cell phones.

When your child is bullied

Inform school officials of the difficulties and collaborate with them on remedies.

Teach your youngster when and how to seek for help from a trusted adult. Ask them to identify who they can contact for assistance.

Recognize the gravity of bullying and validate your child’s feelings about being bullied.

Help your youngster learn how to respond by showing them how to:

• Look the bully in the eyes.

• In a stressful moment, maintain your composure and posture.

• Walk away.

Teach your child how to say in a forceful tone:

• “I don’t like what you are doing.”

• “Please do NOT talk to me like that.”

Encourage your youngster to form friendships with other children.

Encourage your youngster to participate in outside activities that interest them.

Make sure an adult who is aware of the bullying can look after your child’s safety and well-being while you are not present.

Monitor your child’s social media and messaging interactions to discover problems before they escalate.

Support homework & study habits.

Some kids require help arranging their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can all help with homework challenges.

Create a homework-friendly environment from a young age. Children want a continuous workspace in their bedroom or another area of the home that is peaceful, distraction-free, and encourages study.

Make adequate time for homework. Build this time into your decision to participate in after-school activities.

Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions be turned off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet usage.

Take actions to reduce eye, neck, and brain fatigue while studying. It may be beneficial to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break whenever it is not too disruptive.

If your kid is struggling with a certain subject; consult with their teacher for advice on how to support them at home or at school. If you have issues about your child’s schoolwork, speak with their instructor.

If you believe your child would benefit from special education services; make a request to your school for an Individualized Education Program examination. Your pediatrician can assist you in drafting a letter making this request.