August is slowly coming to an end and the return of the children to school is a period that requires preparation. The transition from a carefree summer vacation to the strict and demanding pace of school is one of the most challenging times in a child's life. Returning the child to school after the summer holidays is essentially an adjustment process and parents need to help the child get back on schedule and find their own rhythms.
She writes Maria Stathi - Special Educator
The beginning of the school year creates mixed and varied emotions in children. The role of parents is a catalyst in the proper preparation of children and the adjustment process must be done in time, several days before the start of the school year. It is not enough to register, buy school supplies and set the alarm on the first day. With a little organization and proper preparation you lay the foundation for a positive and optimistic start.
It is important two weeks before the start of the school year to adjust your child's schedule. The regulation of sleep is important for the child's return to school but also for subsequent performance, and do not forget that children need at least 9 hours of sleep. It is also important for children to be relaxed and calm before going to bed at night away from video games, television and the computer.
Discuss with your child about his concerns and try to reassure him. Try to understand what he really thinks and what he really feels about school. Do not be satisfied with one-word answers, show him that you will be by his side to help him adapt to any difficulty that may arise.
The children need mainly encouragement, to transmit them enthusiasm and optimism for their new beginning. Share his joy and excitement and record new goals together. Remind him that the new year will bring him closer to loved ones and talk about the friends he will meet, the things he will learn and the new experiences he will have.
A note of pleasure that will acquaint children with the new everyday life. is the way out for purchase of new school supplies. Before doing this, the child is encouraged to find what he has left from last year's school year and after you ask him to try on last year's school clothes, make a list of what he needs.
At the same time as the new school year, give your child the opportunity to choose one extracurricular activity who pleases him according to his interests and who will significantly help him both in the physical health of the child and in his socialization.
Draw one with the child weekly schedule which will include school hours as well as extracurricular activities to be aware of its weekly organization. Keeping a routine in your daily activities such as reading, playing, watching TV, eating and sleeping will help your child.
Redefine the rules. Decide together when and where he will do his homework. When and how much he can watch TV or play video games. How long will he keep the toy or will he be able to eat sweets, etc. Clear definition and recording of house rules after a carefree summer is essential.
To avoid it first day the well-known last-minute panic, get up much earlier. Calmly, in a good mood and without stress, help your child get ready. Prepare a rich and nutritious breakfast that you will be sure he likes to avoid protests, whining and denials. You can meet a classmate to go all together and reduce his embarrassment entering the school premises.
It is very important to take into account the mental and emotional needs of children during this transitional period. Every child has different adjustment rates That is why parents should be supportive and patient next to their children. Accept the fact that your child will probably be quirky for at least two weeks. What is required from the parents is patience, perseverance and above all love and support.