A new school year! Stores are advertising "back to school" bargains. Children and some parents are beginning to feel anxious, nervous and maybe even a bit afraid of what lies ahead. It is a time of teachable moments, both in parenting and in managing family resources. Here are some tips that day care providers can share with their parents to ease the transition to a regular school program.
Young children going to school for the first time can be both excited and fearful. They have passed the preschool stage and are looking forward to going to the "big school" but are not quite sure what to expect. Parents can make the transition smoother for children with planning and preparation.
TALK ABOUT IT
Begin in late summer talking about the excitement a new school experience will bring. It is not necessary to make "back-to-school" a daily topic of conversation, however. Start talking about clothing and supplies for the coming school year. Help children--at every age--to distinguish between needs and wants.
Many communities have special programs which provide necessities for back-to-school for families with very limited resources. Call your neighborhood school, area Social Services office, or United Way to ask about these programs.
VISIT
Two or three weeks before school starts, take a walk or bike ride in the school community so the child can become familiar with that environment. Introduce the child to principal and teachers if possible. If you know other parents whose children will be going to the same school, try planning a "get together" so children can make new friends or become better acquainted. Insecure feelings on the first day of school may be lessened if the child recognizes familiar faces.
SHOP AHEAD
Shop wisely during these end-of-summer days. Be careful, informed consumers. One temptation at back-to-school time is impulse buying. Often, school supplies are stocked at the back of a store, so shoppers pass by hundreds of other items, temptingly displayed, on their way to buy pencils and paper. You can avoid impulse buying by planning ahead. Make a list of the supplies you need, or the particular items of clothing you want, and stick to your list. If you feel tempted by another item displayed in your path, promise yourself you will think about it for at least 24 hours before you buy. Most stores will hold an item for you at least one day, so you don't have to worry it will be "sold out" by the time you come back.
Comparison shopping helps you find the best value for whatever item(s) you have on your list. Try to find similar items in at least two stores, and compare both quality and price. They vary widely and only by making an effort will you find the best value and make the right decision.
Students returning to school in grades K-8 can learn about reusing and recycling during back-to-school time. Many families have supplies and clothing which can be handed down within their own family or to friends and neighbors. Ask around to find what wasn't used up last year, and see if you can avoid buying everything new. Remember, the environment is a part of the family resource equation. Wise consumers take good care of what they have purchased. Most families don't have unlimited resources, and having to replace items lost or carelessly broken means doing without other things.
ASSIGN RESPONSIBILITY
Begin encouraging children to take responsibility for their belongings, putting their school things, sports equipment, and toys in special places and hanging, folding and putting away clothing. Early practice helps children take better care of mittens, lunch boxes and other personal items when in school. Kindergarten teachers realize the importance of praise and often show approval when children show initiative.
Every opportunity for praise helps to build a child's self-esteem. Using a permanent laundry marker, print the child's name on personal items and coach the child in name recognition if needed.
SELF HELP SKILLS
Assist the child in building self-help skills. It makes children feel good if they can zip, button, and tie with little or no help from others. Kindergartners who can perform such tasks often volunteer to help classmates and make friends while being helpful.
ENCOURAGE
Elementary and middle school children experience a different anxiety as they move from one grade to another. There are new schedules, class changes, teachers, friends and school facilities. Each school year is accompanied by a period of adjustment. Students need and want adult patience and encouragement.
SET GOALS
Back-to-school time offers excellent opportunities for caring adults and youngsters to talk about academic goals, extra-curricular interests and scheduled school events. Social interaction is a natural part of development. Back-to-school discussions are good times to talk about choosing friends wisely, the influence of peer pressure and trusting personal feelings about people. Talk with children about the consequences of making good decisions and accepting responsibility for choices.
PLAN
Conflicts surrounding back-to-school demands will be avoided if planning is done ahead of time. When school begins, spend a few hours on week-ends cleaning and organizing wardrobes. During the week, make time the night before to lay out clothes, set the breakfast table, prepare lunch if necessary and put books and lunch money in designated place.
A good night's rest and a nutritious breakfast every day are essential if children are to be healthy and productive. It's important to go back to school prepared to learn.
PARENT TO DO'S