About this time of year the talk amongst parents of school age children turns to bedtime rituals, earth-friendly lunch containers, and shopping for school supplies. Not to be outdone, we at achievebalance.org decided to dedicate an article to the top 10 ways parents can smooth the transition from summer to fall. Supporting your child from a youth mental health standpoint is all about making sure your child is equipped with knowing the ropes Here is the top ten countdown for mentally getting ready for school this fall:
10. If you are transitioning your child to a new school, take time to visit the campus and ask for a tour.
9. Find out what kind of food is served in the cafeteria and allowed for snacks. Many schools have a policy against nuts and foods of minimal value (FMV).
8. Call the bus facility if your child is a bus rider to see what the commute time is in the morning and afternoon. Help your child prepare if the commute is long and the weather is extreme.
7. Create your list of emergency contacts. Schools always ask for them and its good for your child to know who may pick them up if you can’t. Teach your child never to go with anyone who is not on this list.
6. Donate to the local backpack/school supply drive while you are picking up your own supplies.
5. Talk to other parents about age-appropriate bedtimes. Everyone doesn’t have to be the same but it will be much easier to get your kids to go to bed on time if everyone in their group of friends has close to the same bedtime.
4. Check the school handbook before you go clothes shopping. Most schools without uniforms have rules about school clothes.
3. Get your child’s input on school lunch ideas.
2. If your child is having anxiety about the start of school or has trouble separating from you, check your own attitude and make sure you don’t seem fearful too.
1. Celebrate the end of summer and the start of school by doing something fun! Make it a new tradition you and your child can look forward to.
Parent, child, school…success!
Dr. Kate Walker Ph.D. is owner and CEO of achievebalance.org found in The Woodlands TX.
Tags: about parenting, how to parent, how to parenting, parent hood, parenting, Parenting Teenagers, parents, parents and children, teenagers, what to do for stress
