The first day of school has come and gone here, and I am reminded of what a big transition it really is. While it seems like that last week of summer is spent preparing for school (buying supplies, waking up earlier, getting new clothes), we also have to remember that the first month of school in general is a big transition that we need to work through with our kids. Here are some things to keep in mind to make things go more smoothly (and keep your sanity).
- Remember that the kids are tired. School can be both mentally and physically taxing. Plus they are probably getting less sleep than they did during the summer. If it looks like a tantrum is brewing, step back and ask yourself if it might be because they are tired.
- Recognize the stress level for them. Sometimes we forget that kids can get stressed out, too, by new situations. Some kids thrive on a new classroom full of friends. Others are worried and apprehensive and need extra encouragement.
- Ask questions. If your kids are not the type to run in the door and tell you all about their day, ask them some questions about it. Not questions that can be answered with a simple word. Ask questions that require explanations like “What was the best part of your day?” “What are you most looking forward to in your new schedule and why?” Usually once you get them talking, they keep talking.
- Be flexible with things out of their control. They might come home one day with a list of supplies they all of a sudden need when you thought you had everything. Don’t freak out on them. It’s not their fault. Understand that things are being thrown at them and they need your support.
- Appreciate the little things. 10 years from now you will probably forget most of what happened in the first month of school. Take time to just watch them interacting with other kids at the bus stop or listen to how they describe their new teacher. You can learn a lot about your kids when you observe how they deal with new and different situations.
Love it or hate it, school is getting back in session and you can make it much easier on your whole family when you work with the kids instead of against them.
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