Back-to-School Tips for Parents

For Younger School Children

To be prepared for back-to-school, it is important that younger children are familiar with:

• Basic information such as their name, address, and phone number
• Taking their outer clothing off and on
• Basic toilet needs
• Being considerate to others and knowing how to wait their turn.

In addition, before the first day of school parents of younger children should consider:

• Establishing a bedtime ritual
• Immersing their children in social situations with other children their age
• Familiarizing them with classroom basics including letters, numbers, colors, and shapes
• Reading daily to their children
• Determining the route they will take to and from school and then practicing the route
• Taking their children to visit their school and classroom, if possible, to get them acquainted with the new setting.

For Older School Children

Experts recommend a healthy, open dialogue with older children about back-to-school. Parents should:

• Engage in discussion about their children's friends, classes, and activities
• Work with their children to set measurable goals and expectations
• Urge their children to be involved in extracurricular activities at school and in the community
• Help them with budgeting their time and homework load.

For Parents

Parents play a key role in helping make the back-to-school transition smooth. Here are just a few tips to help parents get started:

• Determine set times and location for homework
• Meet their children's teacher and school principal
• Prepare for and go to parent-teacher conferences
• Get involved in the school's PTA
• Stay on top of the school calendar
• Keep track of and attend school events.
  

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