7 Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Elementary School Students

Back-to-school season is right around the corner! Whether you’re an old pro at this by now or it’s the very first time you’re going to be sending your little one off to elementary school, the event is bound to be met with a mixture of excitement, nerves – and maybe even a little chaos.

 

Let’s get real: Getting everything in order for the back-to-school season can be tough on parents. You’re trying to squeeze in just a little more summer fun while managing all the prep work that needs to happen. It can feel like you’re juggling a lot. 

 

Relax. With a few smart tips and a little bit of prep work, you can make this transition smooth and easy for both you and your child. So, go grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and follow this guide:

 

Children thrive best on structure, and predictability can ease a lot of tensions for parents, too. You need to prepare for the school year by establishing a consistent routine – and you don’t want to wait until the first day of school to get it started.

 

Begin by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times at least a week before school begins so that your child has an adjustment period. This will make it easier for your child to ease into the school routine and reduce the chances of morning meltdowns brought on by frustration. In other words, even though school doesn’t actually start quite yet, you should:

 

• Pick out the clothing your child wants to wear the night before.
  
  
• Implement The school-year “wake-up” time and breakfast routine.
  
  
• Have a set time for brushing teeth, combing hair and other hygiene issues.
  
  
• Establish a specific time for “quiet play” or reading (which can then be swapped out for homework time once school starts).
  
  
• Make sure that bath time begins to occur at the same time every night.
  
  
• Institute the school-year bedtime.
  
  
• Doing this now will allow your child to more easily cope with the upcoming shift to the school schedule and everybody can start to feel comfortable with the system before the first day of class actually arrives.

Your child will do better in school if they have a supportive, organized learning environment at home. Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your child to complete their homework or study, and make sure the space is free from distractions like television or gaming devices.

 

Stock the area with school supplies such as pencils, paper, crayons, and everything else your child may need. Set aside a time each day where you guide your child to that spot and encourage a little independent creative work, educational games or reading every day until school starts so that they’re already accustomed to sitting in the space and working at a certain time every day.

 

Kids love picking out school supplies, and involving them in the back-to-school shopping process can make them feel like they have more control and reduce a lot of anxiety about the school year. Here are some ways to get them involved:

 

Involving your child in the back-to-school process can help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety about the new school year. Here are some ways to get them involved:

 

• Take the list given out by the school and give your child as much creative freedom as possible to select the backpack, crayons, pencil case, notebooks and folders as possible.
  
  
• If your child will have a designated locker, buy a few small items that they can use to decorate the inside of their locker (if that’s permitted by the school).
  
  
• Within reason, let your child pick a few clothing items, the shoes they want or some small accessories (again, according to what the school permits).
  
  
• Having small items that are reflective of their personality or interests can give them a big confidence boost and make them feel special.

There’s a lot to be said for strong relationships with your child’s teachers and the school staff in general. Open communication allows you to stay informed about your child’s progress and any challenges they may face. With that in mind:

 

• Meet the Teacher: Attend any back-to-school events, such as open houses or meet-the-teacher nights. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself and start building a rapport with your child’s teacher.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Sign up for the school newsletters, text alerts and check out the website. Join the parent-teacher association or volunteer to be a “room parent” for your child’s school parties or other activities. 
  
  
• Take Time for a Visit: If possible, visit the school before the first day to familiarize your child with the environment. Walk around the building, find their classroom and show them where the bathrooms and cafeteria are located.
  
  
• Never hesitate to reach out to the teacher if you have concerns or questions about your child’s progress. Volunteering at the school not only shows your child that you are involved in their education but also allows you to stay
  
  
• connected with the school community.

As the school year progresses, fostering independence and responsibility becomes increasingly important. Teaching these skills early on will help them become more self-reliant and confident in their abilities.

 

• Encourage your child to take responsibility for tasks like packing their lunch, laying out their clothes for the next day and ensuring they have all their school supplies ready. Gradually give them more responsibility for their homework. For example, instead of reminding them constantly, provide a checklist they can follow.
  
  
• Assign age-appropriate chores at home to teach responsibility. These tasks can include making their bed, setting the table, or feeding a pet.
  
  
• It takes little ones a long time to start to understand the need of being organized, so be patient, but keep gently guiding your child to completion. 

Finally, always remember that life is unpredictable, and being prepared for the unexpected can help you and your child handle any challenges that arise during the school year.

 

Get Emergency Contacts Ready: Ensure the school has up-to-date emergency contact information for your child, including phone numbers for parents, secondary caregivers and anyone else who may need to be contacted in an emergency.

 

• Have Contingency Plans: Discuss what to do in case of unexpected events, such as a school closure, illness, or transportation issues.
  
  
• Make sure your child knows who to contact and where to go if their normal routine is disrupted.

It’s normal for children to feel anxious about the start of a new school year. Addressing these feelings early on can help ease their transition.

 

Role-play common school scenarios, such as meeting new classmates, talking to the teacher or navigating the lunch line. Practicing these situations can help your child feel more confident.

 

Finally, remember that the back-to-school transition can be challenging for both you and your child. Stay positive, be patient and focus on the long-term benefits of a successful school year.

 

Understand that it may take time for your child to adjust to the new routine. Be patient and offer support as they navigate this transition. Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay flexible, communicate openly with your child and their teachers, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to a successful and stress-free school year.