Greetings!
As a parent you are probably counting down the last days of summer. It's probably a good idea to start getting organized now to avoid rough transitions. Our August newsletter will focus on some quick tasks to tackle for smooth September sailing , courtesy of psychologist, parenting expert and author Sara Dimerman. Back to School Checklist - Plan a playdate with your child's friends from school, allowing them all to reconnect
- With 2 weeks to go before school, put 14 sticky notes on your child's wall, numbered 1-14. Each day leading up to the beginning of school, remove the sticky note corresponding to the number of days to go. This visual reminder of the countdown helps kids prepare for school by bringing closure to their summer holidays.
- Start to adjust back to school bedtime and wake-up times. Get them into bed 10 or 15 minutes earlier each night and up earlier as well.
- Sign them up for extra curricular activities.
- Take a look at last year's backpack. Assess if it needs washing or a new pack is required.
- Consider a variety of academic work sheets or even a fun high school student tutor for subjects that were particularly challenging.
- Chat about any worries or insecurities your child might have about the new school year. Remind them that they wont be the only one in the class who feels that way, and even teachers are nervous around this time of year.
- If some new school supplies or clothes are required, make the shopping trip fun yet targeted.
- Go to the school and take a picture of your child outside as part of an annual ritual that results in a cool pictorial timeline of their changes.
- Do a trial run of the path to school and review safety skills. At home, draw a map of the route and add in fun details.
- If your child needs special accommodations, try to check in with school staff who usually work during the last week of summer.
- Supervise your child packing their own backpack. things will go more smoothly the first morning of school if they have had some practice.
- Have a family meeting to go over school rules, from use of electronics to homework times.
- Go have fun! Now that you are organized for the start of school, relax with the family and enjoy the last few days before the show begins.
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