Back to School Butterflies

What You Need To Know

Few transitions are as difficult as the back-to-school ritual. Even the most confident students find the return unsettling. Comforting your child helps them confront the challenge of a new year. Support is emotional and organizational. Most importantly, make sure your kids know that your don’t expect perfection and that you will listen to their fears and concerns.

How You Can Help

Tactics for smoothing the transition to school include:

• Emphasize the Positive. Remind your child that everyone gets nervous at the start and the feelings fade after a short time. List the fun aspects that accompany the first days like reunions with friends, cool supplies, new clothes, and other treats.
• Parental Schedules. Consider adjusting your commitments to be around the house after school for the first few weeks as a constant, familiar, and supportive presence.
• Schedule Big. Hang a large wall calendar in the kitchen and record family and individual commitments. Attach notes about details and requirements of specific events.
• After school. If you can’t pick up your child and he or she does not have an activity, set strict guidelines about being home alone. Require your child to check in upon arrival, know emergency procedures, and refuse entry to visitors except those you have permitted.

For more information, please see the full article:

www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Back_School_2/