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Another summer has flown by and kids are heading back to school. Check out the items on our A-Z list to get your children off to a good start.
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Attention
You may be busy, but
children need their parents’ attention
after school each day, especially
as they adjust to a new
school year. Take time to ask
about their day, their homework
and anything they might need for
the next day.
Backpack
Pay a little more for one
that is washable and will last for a few
years. Beware! Too heavy backpacks
worn too low or off to one side may
contribute to back problems.
Comfy Clothes
It’s tempting to buy frilly dresses
or little suits for your kids, but they are
not appropriate for the playground, so
stick to clothes that allow for freedom of
movement and that are easily laundered.
Dream Big
Take time to discuss how
your child’s education will lead to
making their dreams for the future
come true. Make school part of an
exciting journey rather than a chore.
Exercise
Kids spend summers
swimming, playing ball and
running around outside, but
when school starts, some kids
become sedentary. Encourage
your child to take dance or
karate or to join a sports team
for regular exercise.
Fun
We all hope our children grow
up to be lifelong learners. Talk enthusiastically
about school and regularly
point out the fun aspects of learning.
Grades
Good grades are
important, but be careful to
spend more time talking about
what your child is doing well,
rather than dwelling only on the
negative.
Healthy Snacks
Stock the fridge and
pantry with healthy options for
after-school snacks.
Immunization Records
Be sure your children’s
shots are up to date and that the
records are on hand.
Juggle Schedules
A family calendar is a
necessity. Choose one with plenty
of room to write for each day and
hang it in a central location for
everyone to use.
Knowledge
The phrase “knowledge is
power” aptly applies to children
going to a new school. Tell your children
as much as you can about the
teacher, the classroom and their classmates
so they can feel more in
control.
Lunches
If you make your children’s
lunches, avoid sugary treats and opt
instead for fresh fruit and veggies.
Grape tomatoes and “baby” carrots
travel easily and most kids like them.
Manners
Reinforcing
good behavior at home
will help your children
succeed at school.
Names
Kindergarteners and first
graders need to know their full names
as well as their parents’ names and an
emergency phone number.
Organize
Designate places for your
child to put papers to be signed, to
store a backpack and to do homework.
Pride
Tell your kids how
proud you are of them when they
do well at school.
Questions
Young children often ask
a barrage of questions about going
to school. Answering the most
basic questions, even ones you’ve
answered previously, can help
quell anxieties.
Read
Studies have shown that
kids who read and those whose parents
read to them are more likely to
excel in school, have higher IQs and
eventually lead more satisfying
careers. So break out the books!
Safety
Back to school time provides
the perfect opportunity to
remind children of safety rules.
Talk about biking and pedestrian
rules, avoiding strangers and
emergency plans.
Tell Time
Give your child a head
start by teaching them to read a
clock—not just digital clocks, the
old-fashioned ones with hands,
too.
Umbrella
An umbrella
or raincoat is a must for
back to school—an item
easily overlooked until
that first downpour.
Visit
Making a visit to a new
school before school officially starts
can help your child feel more comfortable
on the first day. Help them find
their classroom and if possible, introduce
them to their teacher.
Work Habits
Help your child develop a
strong work ethic from an early age.
Set a schedule so that playtime happens
only after homework is done.
eXtra Encouragement
A little love note from
mom or dad in a lunchbox or
backpack can brighten a child’s
day.
Yearbook
Let your children know
that they are not alone. For
example, your first grader may be
embarrassed by missing teeth.
Find a yearbook and point out all
the toothless first-grade grins.
Zzzzzz
Sleep is one of
the most important
prerequisites for learning.
Set a bedtime and
stick to it. On the weekends,
make sure they
get up within two hours
of their weekday wake
time to help keep sleep
patterns consistent.
Send us your comments and feedback: contactus@valleyparent.com.
