Make
sure your child knows what the ground rules will be once school starts. Set a schedule for doing homework, supper,
baths and bedtime. Keep the TV viewing
to one or two hours per day. Get into
the habit of following these routines by starting them a week before
school. Use homework time to do some
light review of subjects they learned last year; read with a younger child,
make up some math problems, play science trivia games, anything that gets them
actively thinking. Make this a fun time
to spend together, and homework time won't be such a hassle later.
That First Day
If
your child is entering school for the first time, they may be excited or
extremely fearful. Make sure they have
visited the school at least once before the year starts. They should meet their teacher and principal
ahead of time. Call the school and find
out the names of other children in your child's class. Then arrange several play dates with one or
two of them in the weeks before school starts, so they will already have
friends in the class.
Separation anxiety runs high on the first day of school. If you can, arrange to drive your child to
school and accompany them into the building.
But when it's time to go, be firm.
Tell her you love her and you'll see her after school. Don't ridicule any tears that may arise, just
say “I know it's hard to say good-bye.”
Lingering in the hall will only make it harder on your child. If you are choked up over the separation,
that's normal too. Just wait until you
get around the corner before you show your own emotions.
Young
children aren't the only ones who have first day anxiety. Kids entering a new middle school or high
school need the same reassurance and love as a kindergartener. The same “playdate” strategy is a good idea
with older kids, though they will likely already have friends they want to hang
out with. Also, visiting a new school
ahead of time is a good idea at any age.