Let’s face it, as parents we’re never quite ready for the smack in the face that back-to-school can bring. Also, parents and children are likely to experience a bit more anxiety this year as our kids return to brick-and-mortar classrooms. Educational, social, and emotional needs, along with health and safety regulations needs to be balanced in the midst of the evolving Covid-19 pandemic.

So, mom and dad, if you’re having flashbacks of shoving everyone out the door to get to work on time as your pulse quickens and your heart rate skyrockets … we get it, the struggle is real!

However, the first few weeks of school is all about helping your child to adjust and getting them excited about learning.

Here are a few tips on being as prepared as possible, how to roll with the punches, and how to help your kids thrive after such an uncertain year:

• Be a little boring. Have a predictable routine with scheduled dinnertime and bedtime regimes. Limit screentime to set times during the day.
• Create an evening to-do list to avoid morning battles. Have backpacks packed and at the door. Lunches should be packed for the following day, and clothes laid out.
• Keep the breakfast drama low. Outsource breakfast - ask your partner to pitch in. If he can’t. Well then, instant oatmeal with fruit. Boom!
• Set a designated study time and area. Most kids benefit from time to unwind first. Even if they don’t have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day’s lessons or for reading. Make sure that the study area is quiet, well ventilated, and with few distractions.
• Make use of organisers and containers. This way, your child will know where to look for something and will also learn to return an item to avoid misplacing it.
• Keep a large wall-sized calendar. Note dates for tests, exams, projects, extracurricular activities, or events at school.
• Avoid overscheduling. It’s great to do a variety of after school activities and play dates, but if you over commit, you (and the kids) will end up feeling exhausted.
• Have a lot of patience and loving hugs on hand. Your kids are going to be physically and mentally exhausted during the first few weeks of the term. Their minds will be inundated with information as they navigate the choppy waters of new friendships and homework (all while readjusting to a day without hourly trips to the fridge!)
• Establish a positive relationship with your child’s teacher and attend school events. Make sure that you know what’s going on.
• Make sure that your child knows that you don’t expect perfection – only that they try their best.

Remember, it’s never too early to teach your child organisational skills. The skills they learn now will carry them through into high school and benefit them throughout their careers as adults.

All the best for the first term!

Source: kensingtonmums.co.uk, onefamily.ie, mirror.co.uk, learningessentialsedu.com, kidshealth.org, pbs.org, scarymommy.com, verywellfamily.com, roodepoortrecord.co.za, jbcnschool.edu.in, news24.com, mayoclinic.org, familyeducation.com, discoverypoint.com  

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.