About a week or so before school starts, you should get your child back into
“student mode”. Bedtime should be adjusted to the time your child usually goes
to sleep during the school year. All forms that need to be turned in to the
school should be signed and returned before the first day of school. You should
also take your son or daughter to the new classroom to meet the teacher a
couple of days before the first day of school, so that he or she will already
be used to the room and can get a first impression of the teacher before school
starts. If your child’s school has an open house before the first day, make
sure that you make time to go, especially if this is your child’s first year in
the school.
The day before school, help your child pick out an outfit for the first day,
and as much as possible, make his or her lunch the night before. Let your child
perform these tasks for the most part, and step in when you need to. This will
help your son or daughter to learn independence, as well as instill the
confidence that is needed to make the most of school. If you can, take your son
or daughter to school yourself on the first day, and be sure to leave promptly
when the bell rings after a cheerful goodbye.