T. Michele Walker
As the now-famous commercial says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” And no, we’re not talking about the holiday season.
Back to school can be exciting, joyful, and filled with the promise of new beginnings. It can also feel stressful, with seemingly endless lists of things to accomplish before the big day.
Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine is here for you, providing all the resources you need to set your child up for success. Our goal is to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions, as well as access to important resources for your child and family.
In order to provide you with the very best advice, we sat down with Madi Farrell, LMHC, a counselor with Take Heart Counseling. Madi specializes in working with clients who are adjusting to a new phase of life, like starting school, and is here to provide her expertise.
Whether your child is an incoming senior in high school or starting pre-school, we wish you and your family the greatest success in the coming school year.
The Countdown Begins
“Preparation is the Key to Success.”
One of the most important things a parent can do for their child’s education is to prepare and create a plan for success. From a healthy morning routine to setting a consistent schedule, including the ever-tricky bedtime, it’s important to start early.
Two-Plus Months Before School Begins
Check Your School’s Website
There’s no reason to wait till the last minute to check in with your school. Most of them will already have important back to school information available, including school supplies, dress codes, medical requirements and important dates like meet the teacher night.
Doctor’s Appointments
A majority of schools require physicals before returning to the classroom in the fall. At the very least, up-to-date vaccination records will be required. Avoid scrambling and competing for impossible to get August appointments by scheduling yours today. It’ll feel great crossing this off your To Do list.
Be sure to order extra prescriptions to be kept at school and make sure your refills are current. Check with your school to find out exactly what records they will require and have them ready to go. While you’re collecting your paperwork, make extra copies for emergencies.
School Supplies
Why buy new school items if you already have them at home? And there’s no need to wait until the last minute when all the popular colors are picked through when you can shop today. Check your school’s supply list and, before you head out to the Dollar Store or Target, go through what you already have.
Practice the Essentials
Is your child entering preschool, kindergarten or even first grade? Take your time while the stress is less and review those potty-training skills. While you’re at it, work on everyday activities like tying shoes (Velcro is always a good option), dressing themselves (those pesky buttons) and review sanitary activities like wiping those hard-to-reach areas, and washing hands (scrub for at least 20 seconds). Your teacher will thank you.
One Month Before School Begins
Check In (again) with the School Calendar
Even if you already checked the school list earlier in the summer (and kudos to you if you did), it’s always smart to check in one more time for updates.
All school districts and schools have an annual calendar. Be wise and make a copy, or two, and take some time to add all of the dates to your family calendar. You’ll be the parent “in the know” and your life will feel less overwhelming. And you’ll be able to plan now for those seemingly random no-school days. Be sure to include your parenting partner, children and any extended family like grandparents in the family calendar.
Begin Planning Those Extracurriculars
Whether it’s sports, dance, music or after-school clubs, children benefit from after-school, extracurricular activities. Have a plan in place for the logistics, pick up and drop off, as well as registering for classes in advance. Be sure your child has a say in these activities, so they’ll be an enthusiastic participant. There’s nothing worse than making a commitment to a team or activity only to find your child is miserable; not to mention the wasted money.
Shopping for Clothes and Supplies
Shopping for new clothes is a rite of passage for many children and parents. Since children grow so quickly, it’s wise to buy clothes no more than a month before the first day of school. And if you still need last-minute supplies, this is the time to get it done.
Madi has some words of wisdom: “An easy time to start talking about preparing to go back to school is during back-to-school shopping. Allow your child to pick out their school supplies (within reason) and talk about what they are excited about for the new school year, what their hopes are, and what they are nervous about. It’s a great opportunity to listen and connect. Try to avoid giving advice or lecturing. The more you listen, the more likely your child is to keep talking.”
One Month Before School Begins
Meal Planning
Once school has begun, gone are the days of whipping up a quick meal on a whim. Parents need to either make a plan to buy or pack school lunches. There are pros and cons to both, but packing lunches requires a plan. And since you’re starting a new season, it’s a great time to come up with a family meal plan. Include all family members, especially the children, in the planning and let your imagination run wild.
Organize Your Home Base
Having a well-run house and life begins with an organized home. Even if you already have a system in place, this is a terrific time to plan a space for school papers, handouts, schoolwork and awards. Help your child build healthy habits like putting things in the appropriate place when they walk in the door. Consistency is the key to success.
In the Study Zone
It’s important to have a designated homework study location. Having a special study zone is important for every age, especially for your older elementary, middle and high school students. While the kitchen or dining room table will do in a pinch, it’s important to provide a space that is dedicated to study. It might be time to shop for a new desk. If that’s not in your budget, check secondhand stores and online resources for freebies.
While we tend to focus on the youngers kiddos when preparing for school, Madi has a recommendation for your older children. “For middle and high schoolers, the end of summer is also a great time to have a conversation about expectations for the school year. Grab some ice cream together, talk over dinner, or talk while you’re on a walk around the neighborhood together. It doesn’t have to be a formal sit down. Talk together about expectations for household responsibilities, academic expectations, extracurricular activities, and time management, as well as asking how you can be supportive to your teenager along the way. The more you can collaborate in creating expectations, the more ‘buy in’ you’ll get from your teenager.”
The First Day of School has Arrived
First Day Jitters
“It is absolutely normal and okay to experience first day jitters!” says Madi. “Try to focus on some of things you’re excited about—seeing some friends you haven’t been able to see all summer, finding out who is in your class(es), and the hope that comes with a fresh start each August. Remind yourself that you’ve done this before, and you can do it again. When all the ‘what ifs’ invade and overwhelm your mind, take a deep breath and focus on the things within your control.”
Madi says that if you have a kindergartener that is feeling anxious about starting school, prepare them for the transition, “by playing ‘school’ with them and their toys, reading books or watching tv shows that talk about school, and clearly explaining what is going to happen during a day of school. For separation anxiety concerns, make matching bracelets or draw a smiley face or heart on your child’s hand and your hand so whenever they look at it, they can feel connected to you.”
Now that your checklist is complete and your new routine is being established, Madi recommends checking in consistently with your child. “School is so important, but don’t make school the only topic of conversation with your child. Just like you don’t always want to talk about your job and the work-related things you’re stressed about, your child does not always want to talk about school. Ask about their friends, their interests (even the interests you are not interested in), their feelings, their opinions, music they’re listening to, the shows they’re watching, etc. If the only time you talk to your child is when you are asking about school, they will dread talking to you. Your child is so much more than just their academic performance. Get to know them!”
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