The back-to-school season can be a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and preparations. Whether you’re sending your little one off to school for the first time or gearing up for another year, it’s crucial to have a game plan to make the transition as smooth as possible!
Along with years of experience sending kids off to school (from preschool to college), I was lucky enough to attend Responsibility.org’s Back-To-School Virtual Webinar Series a few years back. With all this under my belt, I can’t help but share it with you too! Below are some tried-and-true tips to help your child thrive in their new school year, combined with a few things I wish I had known before sending my child off to school for the first time.
9 Tips To Help Your Family Thrive As We Head Back to School
1. They Are Going to Be OKAY!
One of the biggest concerns for parents is how their child will handle the first day of school. Whether your child is filled with nerves and tears or bravely charges ahead without looking back, know that both you and your child are going to be okay!
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, but trust that they are resilient and capable of adapting to their new environment. The first day is just the beginning of an incredible journey filled with learning and growth.
2. Preparation is Key!
Preparation is the cornerstone of a successful school year. Before the school year begins, spend time practicing key skills with your child.
For little ones, this includes recognizing their own name, reciting their ABCs, counting up to 10, and even getting comfortable with kid-safe scissors. These small steps can build their confidence and make classroom activities feel less daunting.
Bonus Tip: Head to your local library and pick out some books that feature characters experiencing their first day of school. These stories can help your child understand what to expect and give them relatable examples of how to handle new situations.
3. Get Them Involved in the Process
One of the best ways to build excitement for the new school year is to get your child involved in choosing their school supplies. A new backpack, lunchbox, and water bottle can make a world of difference in their enthusiasm. Not only do they love showing off their new gear, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over their school experience.
For my girls – we are very excited to use Lunchbots this year! They are bento-style lunchboxes, fantastic for packing balanced and organized meals. Their stainless steel containers are not only eco-friendly but also super practical for keeping food fresh and separated, making lunchtime easier and more enjoyable.
I also found some great options for Jack from Simple Modern. They offer the cutest backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles that are both high-quality and durable—perfect for standing up to the daily rigors of school life!
10% off at SimpleModern.com for new customers with my code AMBERM10 🥰 valid Thurs 8/30.
4. Establish Routines Early On
As summer winds down, it’s helpful to start establishing school routines at home. Gradually adjusting bedtime, setting up a designated homework space, and planning out morning tasks can ease the transition back to school.
I have found that my kids thrive on routine, and having these in place beforehand can make those early days much less stressful.
5. Have Frequent Mental Health Check-Ins With Your Kids
It is so important that we prioritize communicating with our children about how they are feeling. As Julianna Miner (Parent, Influencer, and Author of Raising A Screen Smart Kid: Embrace the Good and Avoid the Bad in the Digital Age) said, “We need to listen, let them know their feelings are validated and that we are there for them.”
In doing so we give them a safe space to open up, this allows us as parents to let our kids know that we are always there for them- no matter what. Sometimes just knowing they have someone on their side can be a tremendous help for our children.
Plus, by frequently checking in on our children’s mental health we are also able to identify warning signs before things spiral too far.
Katie Friedman (Pediatric ER Physician, Foreverfreckled.com, Responsibility.org National Advisory Board) mentioned that many times parents are shocked when she meets them in the ER. They typically had no idea their children were suffering until things got out of control in the form of suicidal ideation, drinking, or drugs.
If you are having a hard time getting your kiddos to open up, get the conversation flowing with our Fun Conversation Starters
6. Communicate Openly with Teachers
Your child’s teacher is your ally in making the school year successful. Don’t hesitate to reach out before the school year begins to introduce yourself and share any important information about your child. Establishing this connection early on can make communication throughout the year smoother and more effective.
7. Foster a Love of Learning
Encouraging curiosity and a love for learning outside the classroom can have a profound impact on your child’s academic success. Take time to explore topics they’re interested in, visit museums, or simply engage in discussions about the world around them.
When learning is viewed as fun and exciting, children are more likely to be enthusiastic about school.
8. Focus on Emotional Well-being
Remember that your child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their academic success. Pay attention to how they’re feeling about school, and make time to talk through any concerns or fears they may have. A supportive and understanding environment at home can make a huge difference in their overall school experience.
9. Practice Stress Relieving Techniques and Habits As A Family
Preventative measures are key and one thing we can do that can have a lasting effect on our children’s overall mental state is to teach them strategies to reduce and manage stress. Below are some effective methods that we personally have used as a family to help reduce and manage stress.
- Take walks together as a family
- Give your child 15 minutes of uninterrupted, fully present playtime.
- Head to the playground, we like to go in the early mornings so we can have it to ourselves.
- Practice deep breathing and/or meditation. We use the Calm app. Even the teens enjoy it. *My boys got hooked when I introduced them to LeBron James’ meditation series on the app.
- Teach kids the power of visualization. Shea had a therapist once who taught him to picture his favorite vacation destination. She would have him imagine how his body felt there, picture the foods he enjoyed there, the sounds etc… He always found this very soothing and still uses this practice on his own years later.
- Talk openly about the importance of asking for help. Normalize this in your family. *I would add people outside of mom & dad whom you deem as safe. For us this includes school counselors, aunts/uncles, and grandparents.
- Plan family nights. We love watching movies and baking together.
- Include kids in helping out around the house. The feeling of being needed and given accolades for a job well done is good for your mental health. You can find fun ways to incorporate chores into your family by checking out our weekly chore challenges here.
What are your best back to school tips? Let me know in the comments below!
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