Getting excited for a new school year 

If your child walks or bikes to school, walk the route with them and emphasize safety. Instruct your child on what to do if a stranger approaches them.

If your child rides the bus, go over bus safety. Remind children to stay away from the sides and rear of the bus. It’s not easy for the bus driver to see near the back tires, close to the sides, or right in front of or behind the bus.

For parents, it’s comforting to know that the safety record for school buses is remarkable. In fact, traveling on a school bus is six times safer than the family car. Talk to your child about being aware of their surroundings getting on and off the bus and remind them about their responsibility to behave properly and to listen to the bus driver and bus aides. 

Take a summer stroll to your child’s school to help familiarize them with the layout of the building and find their classroom. It will also help your child get excited about the coming school year. Introducing yourself to the main office staff can help your child feel more comfortable on the first day of school and know who to approach if they have a problem.

If they are available, it’s also a good time to meet your child’s teacher. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself and your child before the hustle of the school year begins. 

Discuss with your child what you would both like to see happen this school year. Make your expectations about their academics and behavior very clear. Create frequent rewards for success so your child will have small, attainable victories to celebrate. Goal-setting helps to boost self-esteem and serves as a great motivator. 

Set aside time each day for studying, reading, and playing. With your child’s input, create bedtime and morning routines to help them build independence and take pride in themselves. Some children like to pick out their outfits for school the night before to help make the mornings easier. Giving some thought to your routine now will help make the start of the school year that much easier.  

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to screens, including televisions, tablets, computer games, and phones can have a negative impact on children in a variety of ways. Setting reasonable limits on their screen time can help them be happier and more active. Starting in the summer can help make the transition back to school easier for everyone. 

The greatest thing parents can do to support their child academically is to read with their children and make books available to them when they are able to read on their own. Reading helps build children’s self-esteem, improves concentration, helps them be more empathetic, expands their vocabulary, and so much more. Provide age and reading-level appropriate books, magazines, and even newspapers for your child. Discuss what your child has read. Make reading a priority in your home, year-round, and watch your child explore new worlds! 

Sleep patterns change slowly. Start getting your child back to a regular sleep schedule now so you won’t have to resort to extremes to get them out of bed on the first day of school. 

Physical activity is a great stress reliever and can help children blow off steam after school. Help your child identify physical activities they enjoy doing and help them develop a lifelong love of moving. Starting in the summer can help to establish beneficial routines and expectations before the school year begins.

Shop together for clothes and school supplies to get in the school spirit, or look through your child's closet with them to help them identify outfits they are excited to wear to school. Shake off the mental cobwebs by reading a book together or reviewing last year’s math skills. Have your child practice neat handwriting by helping you write out your grocery or to do lists.