Back to School - Making the Grade
by Joyce Wagner
Jack and Jill were nervous still - about the start of classes…
but their parents prepared - so they wouldn't be scared…
and now their days are filled with laughter.
As summer months begin to wind down, school buses and packed lunches take the place of picnics and trips to the lake. With the fast approach of fall it is also time for children to head back to school—which can mean a mixture of excitement and anxiety for many. Whether your child worries about forgetting his lunch, missing the bus, making new friends, or wonders how he will fit into his new school - it is important to remember that it can be hard to be enthusiastic about the first day back to school.
Starting a new school year after summer vacation takes some getting used to, for parents and children, who must both make radical changes to their schedule. Despite these challenges you can have a positive affect on your child's attitude regarding school by showing enthusiasm about his return, talking with him about school, and including him in the preparation. These simple strategies can also make those early days of changeover much smoother, especially if he has high levels of anxiety about beginning their new school year.
A week before school starts, have your child start going to bed at the regular school-night bedtime and set an alarm clock to help him wake up in the morning; tell your child that everyone needs time to adjust to a new schedule. You can also arrange a tour of your child's school before it opens to help him get familiarized with his new settings—this is especially helpful if he worries about getting lost or not being able to find classrooms/bathrooms etc. You can also include kids in the planning of morning schedules, which helps reduce anxiety in many.
The night before school, work with your child to pick out his outfit for the next day and pack his backpack. This helps prevent the early morning chaos as well as establishes both a routine and some together time for you and your child. And -- on that very important first day of school remember to send him off with lots of encouragement and praises.
A successful school year doesn't stop with the first day however, and takes constant and consistent parental involvement. Many studies have shown that students whose parents are involved in their school are more likely to resist negative peer pressure, more likely to graduate and go on to college, and less likely to have learning and behavioral problems. Children of these supportive parents also have better school attendance and do more homework.
It doesn't take much to be an active participant in your children's learning—just ask your kids how their day went and spend time discussing any problem areas. Other tips for parental involvement in the educational process include talking with your children's teachers, attending parent-teacher conferences and school events, and possibly looking for ways to volunteer your time and talents.
As the school year progresses you may also find that your child needs help building or strengthening his homework skills. Encourage him to schedule a specific time each day and designate a quiet, comfortable, well-lit place to do homework without distraction. While he may say he can complete his homework with the CD player and television blaring it is highly unlikely. Offer to help your child with homework but do not do it for him, remembering that your job as a parent is equipping him to stand successfully on his own two feet.
As Christian parents it is also important to live your life as an example your children can follow. Particularly for those children who are in school systems that teach several conflicting (as well as harmful) moral principles, it is important to have a Godly example they can emulate. Model for your children a life of integrity; conduct your life in a truthful, dependable manner while choosing to do the right thing - even when it is difficult or unpopular. By living your life in this manner you will also be better equipped to hold your children accountable for their words and deeds - both in and out of school -while giving them a firm foundation to learn how to make good choices as well as healthy decisions.
And finally, expect good things from your children. Letting them see that you believe in them brings out the best in your kids. Knowing you are there as their personal cheerleader also helps kids feel more capable and able to take positive risks, which often leads to success both in and out of school. Loving your children unconditionally is the best back to school advice around—and ensures that both you and they will make the grade!