Back-to-school tips for parents (2023)

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Visit the grounds-

Ensuring your child is familiar with the school is key for their confidence. Walk around the grounds and inside the building if you're allowed. Also, show your child where you'll pick them up.

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Take your child for a checkup-

Make sure to book your appointment early, as there's often a high demand before the school year starts. If your kid is starting preschool or kindergarten, they must be up-to-date on their immunizations.

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Give a classroom demonstration-

To help get your child used to the idea of school and homework, have mock classes in the summer. For the fun of it, you can take turns being the teacher and student.

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Buy and try a nap mat-

If you have a very young child and the school has a scheduled rest period, find out how long it lasts. Then you can settle your kid down at that time at home, so they get used to it.

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Make a back-to-school checklist-

To help you organize things, some schools provide a checklist of needed school supplies. But if you still feel confused, consider downloading a premade checklist online.

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Start back-to-school shopping-

There's nothing more exciting than getting a new pair of shoes or cool supplies for the new school year. Bring your checklist and start early, as back-to-school season is busy.

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Take a field trip -

Get your child into the learning spirit by visiting places that are both entertaining and intellectually challenging. This could be a museum, a zoo, or a science center.

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Connect with classmates-

A nice way to connect with classmates is by hosting a playdate or a picnic with other students. Try to especially include new students and their parents.

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Mark the days until school starts-

They need time to get back into class mode. Include your child in the countdown to school starting. This could be done on a simple notebook or calendar that's just for them.

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Practice school skills-

Apart from academics, there are certain small things that your child should know in order to make their day easier. This includes fastening and unfastening their backpack, opening their lunch box, undoing their clothes for bathroom breaks, and memorizing your telephone number.

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Set up a family calendar-

It can be hard juggling everyone's schedules once the school year starts. Having a shared family calendar makes it easier to keep track of everyone's activities and appointments.

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Attend orientation-

Make sure not to miss orientation, or any other back-to-school events. It's important both for parents and kids to familiarize themselves with the school, teachers, and all the activities to look forward to.

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Brainstorm a list of favorite lunches-

Together with your child, discover what they want and bring them to shop for the ingredients. Having them help with meal planning will make it easier to whip up their lunches.

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Discuss your morning routine-

Get your child used to back-to-school routines by explaining what's involved in getting ready for school. Let them know when they'll wake up, how much time they'll have for breakfast, and what they'll need before leaving.

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Create a morning to-do list-

Having kids get ready in a particular order is a great way to help them stay on track each morning. They'll also learn how to create a routine.

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Hop on the bus-

Some schools provide bus-safety instruction and practice rides as part of their orientation. If the school doesn't offer this service, try taking a few trips on public transport, so your kids get used to the idea.

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Get your child's sleep in sync with their school schedule-

If your kid has been up late and snoozing all morning, new bedtime rules for the school year can come as a big shock. Luckily, they can easily adapt. So instead of tucking them in early, focus on a consistent wake-up time and get them out of bed no matter what. Discourage long naps, and in a few days their internal clock will reset automatically.

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Consider making a meal plan for dinners-

As the first week of school can be exhausting, making a meal plan for family dinners will make your evenings much smoother and less stressful.

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End the holidays with a bang-

Starting school after a long summer break is a time full of anticipation. Have a fun family tradition, like getting ice cream the day before. It can help ease the nerves and create long-lasting memories.

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Choose a first-day outfit-

Check the forecast, and make sure to pick out an alternate outfit if the weather turns. Also, don't forget about socks, undies, and shoes.

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Prepack your child's backpack-

Prepacking the night before will cut down on morning stress. Also, consider having a designated corner where your child should always leave their backpack. This way it never gets misplaced.

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Get their lunch ready-

It's good to get their lunch ready when you make dinner, as this way there's only one cleanup. Another tip is to leave the lunch box open, so you don't forget to add refrigerated items in the morning.

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Keep the evening calm-

The night before school starts, have a calm evening at home. Avoid noisy games and TV, but don't force your kid to go to bed early. Instead, send them to bed 15 minutes later than usual. This way they'll fall asleep more easily.

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Set the mood-

Reading is a great activity for a calm evening at home. You can also set the mood for small kids by reading a story about the joys of school.

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Wake up early-

Get up at least 30 minutes before your kid, so you can get ready and have your coffee. You'll be more cheerful and can help them follow their morning to-do list.

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Schedule in some extra time-

Even if your kid doesn't refuse to brush their teeth or insist on a different outfit, assume that they will. You never know what can happen, so build a bit of extra time into your day by adding an extra 15 minutes to the morning.

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Make it feel like a celebration-

Starting a new school year is a major milestone. Share this happiness with your child by serving their favorite breakfast and surprising them with a cool new pencil or a colorful eraser, for example.

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Make time for some pictures-

Starting a new school year is a special moment that needs to be captured. Pick a special spot and take a new snapshot at the start of each school year.

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Arrive at school early-

Most kids need a few moments to settle in, especially if they're a bit shy. Therefore, plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the bell rings.

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Welcome them home-

When your child gets home, give them a big welcome. Serve them a special snack and plan a family dinner. Make sure to ask how everything went and encourage your kid to talk about their hopes and fears.

Sources: (Parents.com) (Good Housekeeping)

See also: Tips for raising bilingual and multilingual kids

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