We all want our kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and all of our young loved ones to have a successful school year. There may be some hesitation and anxiety that accompany our little ones as they get back to a routine. Here are some helpful ways that we can prepare them (and us) for what the new school year has in store.
- Know your State & School District’s Action Plan –
Make sure you stay up to date on your state and school district’s plan for the new school year. Many schools are planning on staggering students, alternating groups that come into the school, doing part-time distance learning, or going full-time in-person. Keep tabs on what those plans mean for you and your family and be prepared for the plan to change.
- Pick Up Supplies –
Make sure your child has everything they need to succeed in the upcoming year. Your child’s school and/or teacher will probably provide you with a list of things they need to bring. Try not to wait until the last minute to pick up supplies because it can be overwhelming and sometimes it takes trips to multiple stores to complete the list.
- Start the School Routine Early –
As part of back to school prep, you should get kids back into the swing of the school routine several weeks before school actually starts. If you didn’t keep their standard bedtime during the summer, it is time to start enforcing it again. Do the same thing with their morning wake-up schedule. This way their bodies will be adjusted and the transition out of summer will be smoother.
- Set Up a Study Spot –
During the school year, it’s good for your child to have a designate study area. This will be especially valuable if remote learning is necessary. This space should be somewhere with a good work surface that can accommodate books and computers. Make sure it is quiet so they can concentrate and well lit so they can read and write without straining their eyes.
- Make a List of Meal Ideas –
Since schedules become a little more rigid during the school year, a good idea for back to school prep is meal planning. Make a list of ideas for lunches that are nutritious and easy to pack. It’s also helpful to make a list of meals you can put in the dinner rotation.
- Be Prepared to Go Virtual –
Even if your child’s school is planning to open for in-person learning, be prepared for that to possibly change. Depending on how things go, virtual learning may become a bigger part of the school year than first anticipated. Make sure you are prepared for that possibility and try to have a back-up plan.
- Communicate –
Kids are sometimes fearful and anxious about the unknown to make sure to create a safe space where they can come to you and share those feelings. Reassure them and verbally walk through their day with them so that they have an idea of what to expect. Talk through different scenarios and help them resolve any possible issues that they may encounter. Let them know that you are on their team and that you are rooting for them.
To everyone that is heading back to school for the 2021-2022 year, good luck! And for all of the loved ones of those that are heading back to school for the 2021-2022 year… GOOD LUCK!!!
