The new school year is about to begin, and for most kids, this means new teachers, new uniforms, new classrooms, and, for those moving to a different school, new friends. Regardless of their age, many kids feel apprehensive about starting or returning to school. As a parent, you can help ease their anxiety and improve their performance with these simple tips, especially if they are starting at a new school.
Re-establish a routine
The saying, “A daily routine built on good habits and discipline separates the most successful among us from everyone else,” holds true for children as well. Establishing a consistent routine is essential for your child’s school performance. This could include morning routines like getting ready for school and having breakfast, as well as evening routines like homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, taking a bath, and reading before bed.
Be intentional with screen time
Back to school is the perfect time to be intentional with screen time periods. Parents can do more than just set limits—ensure that the content children consume, educates as well as entertains. For example, Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes, airing daily at 4:00 pm on Disney Channel (ch 82), and Pokémon Horizons: The Series, airing daily at 4:30 pm on Cartoon Network (ch 89), teach kids about the importance of courage and teamwork. NGen, which airs at 4:30 pm every Thursday on AIT (ch 122), is a science show for young learners and Pioneer STEM Show educates, entertains, and showcases innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, airing every Saturday at 3:00 pm on Silverbird (ch 121) on GOtv.
Encourage independence
Allow your children to play an active role in preparing for the new school year. Involve them in shopping for and organizing their school supplies, which can help put them in the right mindset and ease any anxiety. Additionally, assign them age-appropriate tasks to foster independence and boost their confidence.
Talk about safety
Review outdoor safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if walking, staying on the sidewalk, and using pedestrian bridges. Encourage kids to walk in groups, avoid talking to strangers, and not engage in horseplay while walking home.
Celebrate the start of the school year
The beginning of a new school year often brings financial pressures from school fees and new supplies, which can sometimes create tension at home. However, it’s important to celebrate the first day of school so your children see it as an exciting transition and not a burden you are forced to bear. You could take a picture of them heading off to school, give them a treat when they return, and listen to them share their first-day experiences.
Additionally, engage with your children daily to learn about their new friends and teachers, and how they feel about their new class. This can help you determine if they need extra academic support or are facing issues like bullying.
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