Preparing Your Child (and yourself) For Back to School!

The summer is dwindling down and children will be heading back to school before we know it. For some, it will be their first time going to the “big school” which can be hard for both the child and the parent, for others, you may be a pro at preparing and sending your kids off on their first day of school. But regardless of whether it is your first, or fifth first day of school, there are some important things to know about parent/teacher expectations that can make the school year great from the start!

Preparing Your Child

• Get to know the teacher

  Being involved in your child’s education is the most important thing for both your kid and yourself. Go to open houses and orientation. Attend conferences, read the school letters, and meet other staff members. Allow them to know who you are. If you try to create a friendly relationship with your child’s teacher, more often than not they will go out of their way to help you and your child succeed.

• Work with the teacher

  A teacher’s goal is to develop your child to be successful. If a teacher contacts you to address a problem, understand that they are only reaching out to you to work with you to resolve the issue. If you have a concern be sure to address the teacher immediately and try to do the same with them, resolve the issue together. Communicate with your child’s teacher to find the best solution possible to help your child learn and grow!

• Reduce chaos at home

  When in school, students often get accustomed to a routine that their teacher has put in place. Kids tend to know what is coming next, and when to expect something. As a parent, transitioning this structure into your home is encouraged. Provide them with a clean and organized place to do schoolwork, set a bedtime schedule, and keep a constant daily routine that is not overscheduled. Chances are if you cannot find time to cook up a family dinner, you are over-scheduled.

• Don’t make excuses

  Even if the excuse is the truth, keep them to yourself. Making excuses for your child’s poor grades or behavior can lead your child to do the same later in life. In some instances, if there is a major change in your child’s life that has impacted their learning ability or focus, then you should privately share this with the teacher, but never in front of your child. For example, if your child has ADHD, or a learning disability, or even if there is a new addition to the family that is impacting your child in a drastic way.

• Respect the teacher

  If the teacher would rather you send an email than call, don’t call. If she likes to schedule conferences, don’t just show up. And remember when you go to visit the school, school policies pertain to you too. If the sign says no food or drinks in the hallway, leave your coffee in the car!

Being involved in your child’s education with have a large positive impact on their success and their behavior. If you see your child is having a hard time, speak with your child. Also, contact the school or teacher and arrange a meeting to get to the root of the problem. You will be surprised at how much your participation will influence your child.

We hope that everyone has an awesome school year!