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to School Tips
by
Donna Kirdahy,
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Labor Day weekend signifies barbecues,
visiting friends and family get-togethers. But for almost
all school-age children, some parents, and even teachers,
Labor Day brings anxiety as a new school year starts.
Parents and their children may worry
about how well kids will handle:
  making
friends
doing
homework
finding
their way around school
riding
the school bus
taking
tests
getting
along with teachers
These concerns are all part of the school
experience, but parents can help reduce their children’s
anxiety by giving them the opportunity to express their
feelings. Parents who are good listeners and have a positive
attitude help their children handle anxiety.
Being organized and establishing routines
also helps reduce stress for everyone in the household.
Routines, from breakfast to bedtime, help everyone know
what is expected and planning becomes second nature.
Research supports claims that a nutritious
breakfast means children feel better, learn better and
behave better during the hours prior to lunch. A nutritious
breakfast can even be a quick peanut butter sandwich and
milk on the way out the door. Packing a lunch together
the night before saves time in the morning and involves
children in the process of choosing, preparing and packing.
Following a snack and down time after
school (preferably physical outdoor activity) children
should complete homework before dinner, whenever possible.
When children are involved in sports, music lessons or
other extra curricular activities, parents will need to
adjust after-school routines.
In the evening, everything that will
go out the door, from gym clothes to books, backpacks
and permission slips should be put in one spot to assure
a smooth departure in the morning. A few minutes in the
evening choosing clothing for the next day can save hassles
in the morning.
Parents should set regular bedtime to
prevent cranky, rushed, over-tired children in the mornings.
On average, kids need 8-10 hours sleep each night. Bedtime
rituals, such as reading, cuddling, talking or listening
to music can ease the way to sleep and create intimacy
between parents and children.
Parents play a major role in providing
the foundation for their children’s success at school.
Parents who are organized, establish child-friendly routines
and present a positive attitude let children know they
can always be depended on for support.
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