Back to School: Tips for Parents of Elementary Aged Students

With the summer winding down, the thing on the back of kids and parents minds is going back to school. Going back to school is a big event. Elementary school aged students are usually bummed that the summer is over, but excited about seeing their friends, meeting the new teacher and learning new things. I have compiled a short list of tips for parents of elementary school aged kids going back to school.

1) Work on Sleeping Habits early

Most families allow their kids to stay up late and sleep late during the summer. Since there is no school the next day, there is not much reason for children to go to bed as early as usual or wake up early for class. I suggest getting children back into their school sleeping patterns at least one week prior to school starting, so it will not be difficult for them when school starts. Put children to bed at their school night bed time and wake them up at the time they would wake up for school.

2) Buy School Supplies Early

Schools usually provide a list of supplies that each child needs to bring with them when they go back to school. Take the supply list provided by the school with you to the store to purchase school supplies. Do not use the list that the store provides. These lists are not specific of what your school needs and are only given as a reminder of common items your child might need. Stores all around the country are preparing their back to school supply sections; many have been ready for the rush for over a month. I have been to the stores to buy the school supplies the week before schools start and it is not a place that anyone would want to be. It reminds me of rush hour traffic. Take your child and buy their supplies early. The kids will be happy that they have more choices of back to school supplies and you will be happy that you don't have to deal with the hectic chaos of the stores.

3) Go School Clothes Shopping

At the elementary ages, girls and boys both love to go shopping for new clothes for school. They want to be a part of picking out what will make them look "cool" to their friends when they go back to school. When they get home with their new wardrobe, hang it in the closet or put it in a drawer so they can see it but not wear it until school starts. This will get them thinking more and more about going back and getting to put on that new shirt or dress or wearing those new shoes. It can help to make them anticipate going back to school in a good way rather than dreading it.

4) Read, Read, Read

If your child has been taking the summer off from any intellectual stimulation, it's time to get their brains working again and ready to go back to school. Parents should, based on the age of your child, set an amount of time that he/she has to read each day. I also suggest having them work in work books for their next grade level to prepare them for the coming year. Our school district has a book that bridges between the grades and reviews what they learned last year and starts to prepare them for the coming year. Call your child's school to see if there is anything specific they suggest, if not, check your local bookstore, Borders or Barnes & Noble for similar books in your area.

For a smooth transition back to school, follow these tips. Back to school time should be an exciting time for kids. Keep it positive and reinforce positive attitudes toward school.