A new school year is here, bringing the need to develop new routines that work for the whole family. Parents and kids are all a bit nervous about what lies ahead, but the good news is that no one needs to worry about being perfect.
Classmates, teachers and, yes, parents will all be in the same boat simply trying to figure everything out! If you’re looking for some first day of school tips, here are some helpful that will help kick off the school year with ease.
Pssst... Here are a few printable planners I thought you might like!
1. Encourage a fresh start.
Help your child to view the new school year as a great beginning. Talk about goals and expectations, and encourage becoming part of something that piques your child’s interest. Joining a new sport or club is easiest when everyone around you is starting over.
2. Map out important destinations before school starts.
Walk young children through the halls of the school, pointing out classrooms and the office, cafeteria, gym, computer lab, and library. Visit the playground so even the fun of recess will seem a little bit familiar and make young children more comfortable.
3. Get ready for school the night before.
Minimize morning stress by having your child lay out tomorrow’s school outfit. Fill backpacks and place them by the front door with gym clothing, musical instruments, and whatever else will be needed for the day. Pack lunch and fill water bottles for a quicker morning exit. Keeping a visual list or plan can make these preparations more automatic.
4. Wake up fifteen minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Of all the first day of school tips, this may be the easiest to implement. Things go wrong, as we all know, playing havoc with even the most carefully developed routines. By building a bit of extra time into the morning, you can eliminate the stress that comes from in unexpected phone call, an escaped pet, or other interruption. PS - our collection of morning routine checklists can be the perfect tool to help keep your entire family on top of it all!
5. Stay focused in class.
Talk with your child about ways to recognize and remember important information. Discussions about projects, homework schedules, school policies, and classroom routines are best absorbed if greeted with special concentration.
6. Be approachable.
Explain to your child that everyone feels a bit uneasy at the start of a new year but that it isn’t hard to make friends. Encourage and practice meeting people’s eyes and smiling as you say hello. Advise reaching out to new class members, for they’ll be in particular need of friendship.
7. Ask for the help you need.
Assure your child that teachers expect — and even welcome — questions at the start of a new year. Speaking up and voicing uncertainty is likely to result in a more thorough explanation of the procedure or policy that has some students confused. Nothing erases tension like a clearly understanding plans and expectation.
“Every new school year is a chance to begin again—to leave behind what didn’t work, carry forward what you learned, and walk into the next chapter with a little more confidence, curiosity, and courage than you had before.”
In the end, don’t stress if you and your family don’t have everything figured out on Day One.
The school year is long, and it will take time to figure out if there’s anything your children can do to adapt to schedule tweaks, a class they aren’t thrilled with, or the presence of that annoying classmate.
There are certainly many first day of school tips, but the best of all may be to head off on Day One with a positive mindset and encourage your kiddos to just be themselves!
