Back to School Tips

Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement… and anxiety. Help calm your child’s fears (and your own) with these teacher-approved tips.

Tour the school

If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with her environment will help avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet their teacher, find their desk, or explore the playground.

Connect with friends

A familiar friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. You might try calling parents from last year’s class and finding out which children are in your child’s class this year. Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a play date or a school carpool.

Tool up

Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help them feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

School supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used.

Ease into the routine

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful for everyone in the household. Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a few days in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Other resources:

https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/back-to-school-2021