Sometimes, I feel like a veteran mom. My oldest is 22 years old this year, and I feel like we have had children in school FOREVER! We kind of have…and when I am not having a pity party about how much older I feel than most of the parents in our youngest two children’s elementary school, I feel like I have a leg up on some of the secrets to staying sane for back to school time.
But, more important than me staying sane is helping my children’s new teachers stay sane. This starts at home, WAY before that first bell on that first day. With these seven tips, you can help your teacher start the year off just right with your child. We all have visions of that “perfect” teacher. You know the one! He or she is just the right mix between loving, firm, and fun. All teachers have that potential, but what you do going in to the school year can make a big difference in helping that teacher shine.
1. Think about schedules. Before school starts, think about what your child’s daily schedule will look like. What time does their grade eat lunch, when are they allowed to have snack, and what time will they be home each day? Start looking at the schedule in your home the same way if at all possible. This means instituting a bedtime and getting up near the time they will get up for school. This means having a good breakfast, similar to what you will offer on school days. We start this schedule near the beginning of August, about 3 weeks before school starts. It works…every.single.time. You will not only help the teacher’s sanity…you will make a huge impact on your own!
2. Practice, Practice, Practice. Musical instruments, math facts,, reading, politeness, and patience. Practice it all. Whatever habits you have let slip all summer (and we ALL do!), it is the time to start thinking about getting that brain in gear and ready to go back to learning.
3. Sit Down with a Calendar. If your kids are very busy with after school activities, now is the time to sit down with that calendar and think about what you have time for and when those activities will be. Make school a priority by allowing time for homework. Make family dinners a priority as well. Don’t overschedule just because you failed to plan. Look at this now before the activity sign-ups begin.
4. Look carefully at school supply lists. Don’t put this off until the last minute, or you will be standing in the aisle wondering why there are no number 2 pencils. Worse yet, on that first day, your child will not enjoy being the kid whose parents forgot the glue sticks. Get ahead of this now. Label what needs to be labeled, pack it away in that shiny new backpack, and enjoy the last days of summer with your kiddo without this hanging over your head!
5. Tell you children education is wonderful. Even if you are that teary mom standing on the sidewalk, start NOW to talk to your child about education. Be excited for the journey that happens at the beginning of each school year. Talk about all the wonderful things to do, see, and learn. Go to the school playground if possible and make it a BIG deal that your child has this amazing opportunity. Don’t make this about you, Mom…this is wonderful and an opportunity that children all over the world are not always able to attain.
6. Support that teacher. I tell my children at the beginning of every school year that my ears are always open, but that they are expected to follow the rules of their teacher. He/She is the boss of that classroom. They need to respect that authority. Throughout the year I continue to drive that message home to my perfect little darlings (ahem!). What if something happens to make you doubt the teacher or if you think that teacher is wrong? Deal with it directly with the teacher or school, out of your child’s earshot. You can discuss the issue with the child later if needed, but don’t be so busy playing the hero to your child that you don’t listen to the other side. Be prepared to be fair, even though you feel a huge desire to defend your cub!
7. Be excited and proud. Take pictures, laugh, be silly, and show your child how excited and proud you are for them. This is a big deal, but school is also a ton of fun. Take a few minutes for a special back to school dinner, go to school sponsored back to school activities, and enjoy the moment. Don’t underestimate the power of your excitement to help your child get excited as well. Every year is a moment in time that you will never have again: embrace that.
Much Love,
Dusty Boots
