How to Ease Your Child’s Transition Back to School

September 7, 2017

 

The first day of school is an important and potentially stressful occasion. It’s crucial to have the proper tools in place and relationships established to ensure a child is set up for success. Here are a few strategies on how parents and students can effectively prepare for what lies ahead.

 

Get to Know the Faculty and Fellow Parents

A great way for students to feel ready for the new school year is to visit the school, become familiar with their new classroom and meet their teacher. At Bennett Day School, each child gets an  in-home visit from their teachers, as well as an in-school open house to get acquainted with their classrooms before the school year begins. Entering a new school is not only a big change for kids, but for parents as well. In this respect, parents should take advantage of social events hosted by the school to meet fellow enrolled parents and faculty.

 

Get Back to a Routine

Schedules tend to be very loose in the summer, so it can be hard shifting back to the early morning rush. Prepare for your morning routine ahead of time and allocate responsibilities in the house to help lessen the stress of going back to school. This might include having kids help with making breakfast and picking outfits, while the parent takes care of the dishes and plans dinner. While this gives your child(ren) a sense of responsibility, it is simultaneously helping develop important cognitive and motor skills.

 

Schedule One-On-One Time

The first few weeks of the school year can be a whirlwind for everyone involved, but parents and kids should aim to set aside a few minutes at the end of the day to reconnect, whether it’s reading a book or playing a game. This should be fun and relaxing so parents and kids can end the day on a good note and feel ready to take on tomorrow.

 

While the beginning of the school year can present new experiences and challenges for students and parents, the community at Bennett Day School is here to support you every step of the way. Meg Fitzgerald, Director of Early Childhood, discusses the importance of “Arrival Time” at Bennett Day School.