The first day of school is just around the corner, and if you’ve got kiddos heading back to class, there’s probably a mix of excitement and nervousness happening – not to mention a little sadness that the lazy, sunny days of summer vacation are drawing to a close.
We reached out to some Property.ca Inc. parents to find out about their strategies for helping kids cope, and thought we’d share some of their top ideas.
1. Set up a routine BEFORE the first day of school.
A week or so before day one, start getting a little stricter about bedtime. If kids are used to going to bed late and sleeping till mid-morning, help them transition gradually to more school-appropriate times. They might not love the idea, but remember: those first few weeks will be hectic, and they’ll do a lot better if they’ve had enough sleep.
2. Have a heart-to-heart.
Sit down for a chat and find out what they’re most excited about – is it seeing friends again? Buying new school supplies? Getting to spend time learning about something they’re super interested in? But also ask if there’s anything they feel nervous about. You can even share stuff that made you nervous when you were a kid.
And make sure to normalize any negative feelings…most kids feel some stress going into that first day, no matter what grade they’re in. And make sure they feel safe expressing themselves. Be supportive and let them feel their feelings without judgment.
3. Go shopping…together.
Rather than going out and buying those new binders and backpacks on your own, make it something you do together. If you have more than one child, you could take each one out on their own for a special day that’s all about them.
Being able to pick out their own clothes and school supplies can help them get excited about the year ahead, give them a sense of control, and (especially with older kids) might even open up an opportunity to talk…with a minimum of eye-rolling.
4. Set up a good at-home study spot.
Having a comfortable, inviting place to get their homework done is important. It may be in their bedroom, where they can close the door. Or if they need a lot of support (or just like being around people), a quiet corner of the family room or a spot at the kitchen table can work. Don’t have a lot of space? Install a drop-down desk that can be folded up when it’s not being used.
Looking at the ergonomics of that work area is also a good idea. Get them a comfy chair that allows them to rest their feet on the floor. Set up their computer monitor so that when they're looking straight ahead, their eyes rest on the top third of the screen. (You can raise the screen to the right height with books or a sturdy box).
5. Get them outside.
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean kids don’t still need fresh air and sunshine. Get them away from their screens by encouraging time outdoors to run around, walk, ride a bike, or whatever gets them moving, laughing and having fun. Do stuff as a family – go on hikes, hang out in the park, or make after-dinner walks part of your routine.
6. Make the start of school a celebration!
Whether it’s a big back-to-school bash with all their friends or a fun family gathering with cake and a school-related gift or two, making the return to learning a celebration can really add positivity and enjoyment to the whole experience – for everyone!
What’s your go-to back-to-school strategy? We’d love to know – share it with us on social!
Happy back to school, everyone!