You’ve done everything you possibly can to help your child get ready for back to school, but now the big day is finally here. Whether you’re a parent of a child about to start school for the first time or a child who is in need of some back-to-school help, one thing is for sure: you’re feeling a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and maybe a bit of anxiety.
When your kids were in preschool, they probably loved showing off the alphabet, shapes, and colours. But when they got to primary school, they had to start learning a lot more material, including math and reading. It can be tough to keep up with everything they’re being taught. When they are in high school it’s impossible to keep up.
#1. Your view helps shape their view!
Your role as a parent is critical to your child’s school success. Little things make a big difference in how your child’s view of school is shaped.
You are the primary influence on your child’s school experience. It’s important that you create a school experience that’s warm, welcoming, and exciting for your child. This will help your child feel motivated and excited about school, which is essential for a positive school experience.
A school is a place where your child will experience new things and make friends, so it’s important that you help them to see the bright side of the school. A school is a place where your child learns and grows, so praising your child for their achievements is a great way to encourage them to learn more.
#2. Ask about their day and show that you mean it!
Encourage your child to be open and honest about their day. Share in their joys and frustrations. You can help your child by providing a safe environment and by encouraging them to be positive in school yet create a non-threatening environment where they can share the negative experiences, they have had without being criticised.
#3. Encourage the setting of routine from Day One!
One way to encourage a positive school experience for your child is by helping them set a routine. A school is a place where your child learns and grows, so encouraging your child to get up and get going in the morning is a great way to help them feel excited and motivated for the day. It’s also a great way to help your child establish a positive school routine that will help them to feel more in control of their day and ready to learn. School starts very early in the morning, so it’s a good idea to help your child get up and get going as soon as they wake up. It’s best to avoid the “back-to-school blues” by starting off on the right foot.
Try to get your child into a good school routine as soon as possible, which means: school clothes on the ready, a backpack packed and lunch food in the fridge, and a bedtime routine in place by the end of the first week. This will help your child build momentum and get excited for the first day of school, instead of dreading it.
#4. Get Revising on Day 1
The next step is to help your child build a daily habit of revising for school. This doesn’t have to be a formal process, but it does help to have a daily ritual where your child practices their school work for the upcoming day. It can be as simple as sitting down with your child and going over their school work for the day, or it can be as complicated as creating a schedule where your child practices their school work for 30 minutes before they go to school, and then does the same thing after school. The key is to find a daily habit that works for your family so that you can build momentum.
#5. Get a good Study Spot!
Your child’s back-to-school routine is a critical factor in building a positive school mindset. One of the first steps is to create a dedicated study spot. This can be as simple as clearing a space on the kitchen table, or as elaborate as transforming a quiet corner of the house. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a comfortable, quiet place where your child can study without distractions or interruptions.
#6. Up your Parent Game!
Back to school season can be an exciting time for parents, but it’s also an opportunity to step up your game when it comes to helping their child succeed. It’s the first chance you will get to show your child that you care and help your child achieve their goals. So, it’s no wonder that so many parents make the mistake of assuming that all they have to do is show up and their child will succeed.
“If you don’t commit, you’ll never get there.” – Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook
