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Preparing For School
There are several different ways you need to prepare your child for school, including mentally, emotionally, and physically.
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Whatever the age, there are certain physical things that you need to get ready for them to begin school.
If your kids are like mine are, they have spent the summer with long nights and late mornings. Now that school is almost here, it’s time to move back to an earlier schedule. If you have older children, this might be more difficult as you have less control over their schedule. But for younger ones, get started about three weeks before school starts by moving their sleep time up by ½ hour, and their wake up time up by ½ hour. Then the following week, move it up again. Continue this until your child is sleeping and waking during the same hours they will be when school starts.
Since summer is winding down, it might be time to wind your kids down and start their minds working again in preparation for school. A few weeks before school starts, crack out the reading books and paper and pencil. Spend 30 minutes during the day working on reading or writing.
Talk about any problems left over from last year. If your child experienced bullying or has had problems in school, make sure to talk about it ahead of time.
Tell them you are proud of them. If they are about to start an important year they need the extra reassurance.
Physically preparing your children for school involves getting them the things that they need for school. If you like to shop for school clothes in the summer, start this about one month before school starts to get in on the sales. Retail outlets usually start their summer sales around this time. Watch the ads and sales for the best time to go.
If your school likes you to bring school supplies, watch for these sales too. Again, shop early to ensure the best prices and best selection. Getting your kids ready for school can be a challenge but it will make the transition back to school easier.
Be prepared to give them a bit of leeway the first week. School can be a long hard day for kids when they are out of practice.
Make as many preparations as possible the night before.
If your child takes lunch to school, pack it the night before.
Have your child pack their own backpack the night before.
Make sure that you have some simple breakfast choices available, like cereal, fruit and yogurt. This way if you are rushed there is still plenty for breakfast.
Set aside an area for each child to do their toiletries. If necessary set aside times if bathrooms are at a premium.
Set out clothes the night before.
Make sure everyone gets enough sleep. Tired children are slow moving and add stress to the morning routine.
By doing a little planning the night before you will not be rushed and stressed yourself in the morning.
