Health & Life

Back to School: 4 Tips to Get Your Child Excited and Ready for Their First Day Back

The right approach will ensure children adapt better to their new school environment, easing their worries and making their school days brighter and more enjoyable.

Administrator

3 September, 2024

Parents can implement the following measures to help their children adjust mentally, overcome this phase, and better adapt to their new school environment.

Accept Anxiety and Learn to Manage Emotions

Acceptance: Parents should understand that anxiety in children is normal and a natural part of their development.

When children face new situations, life changes, or pressure from academics and peers, anxiety can surface.

Accept anxiety and learn to manage emotions.

Instead of viewing anxiety as a negative, parents should encourage their children to express their feelings. Create a safe and open environment where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Management: While anxiety is normal, children need to learn to master their emotions. This helps them navigate challenging situations and builds a solid foundation for their psychological development throughout life.

Parents can engage in positive self-talk with their children, using affirmations and encouragement to build their self-confidence and approach the new term with a positive attitude.

Rest and Exercise Sensibly

Sleep: Re-establishing a work and rest schedule before the start of school is crucial to help children gradually adjust their sleep patterns.

Firstly, parents can begin by setting a clear daily routine. This includes wake-up time, meal times, study time, recreational activities, and bedtime.

A fixed schedule not only makes children feel secure but also instills good habits. When children know their daily schedule, they can better manage their time and feel more in control.

Rest and exercise sensibly.

Next, pay attention to adjusting your child’s bedtime. During the summer break, children tend to stay up late and wake up late. Therefore, parents should gradually transition their children back to their old schedule, encouraging earlier bedtimes and wake-up times a few days before the start of the new school year.

Sports: Reducing screen time and engaging in sports with your child or encouraging them to participate in sports is an effective way to boost their mental and physical health.

Parents can explore various sports with their children, from soccer and swimming to badminton and yoga.

Get Ready for the New Term: Set Academic Plans and Small Goals

Planning: In the new term, some children will face new textbooks.

Parents can familiarize themselves with the changes brought about by this textbook reform, preview the new textbooks, and create specific and achievable academic plans for the new term. Set small goals and offer appropriate rewards to boost your child’s motivation to learn.

Parents can also take their children to bookstores and buy school supplies to “wake up” their child’s study mode.

It’s important to note that just because it’s a new term, parents shouldn’t set overly ambitious goals for their children. Goals should be reasonable and gradual, increasing their adaptability.

Get ready for the new term by setting academic plans and small goals.

Enhance Communication and Encourage Social Interaction

Social Interaction: Encouraging children to participate in more social activities and connect with their classmates in the new term will help them adjust to the new environment faster.

Communication: Improve communication between parents and children, patiently listen to their thoughts and emotions, and provide understanding and encouragement.

Have open conversations with your children daily or weekly, encouraging them to express themselves and ask for help when needed. If children have any confusion or emotional issues, they should talk to their parents, teachers, or seek professional psychological counseling.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some tips to help your child transition back to school and develop a positive attitude towards learning: Create a positive and exciting atmosphere by involving your child in back-to-school preparations such as buying school supplies and choosing their first-day outfit. Encourage your child to share their feelings and concerns about returning to school, and address any fears or anxieties they may have. Help your child set realistic goals and expectations for the new school year, and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Establish a consistent routine for bedtime, morning, and mealtimes to help your child adjust to the structure of the school day. Stay involved and connected with your child’s school and teachers, and work together to support your child’s learning and well-being.

In addition to creating a positive atmosphere and addressing your child’s concerns, here are some practical tips: Gradually adjust your child’s sleep schedule to match the school year routine at least a week before school starts. This will help them feel well-rested and more prepared for the school day. Plan and practice your child’s morning routine, including breakfast, getting dressed, and packing their bag. This will help them feel more organized and confident. Connect with other parents and students before the first day to help your child feel familiar with their peers and the school environment. Attend school orientation sessions or meet-and-greets to familiarize your child with the school layout, classrooms, and teachers.

It’s important to maintain open communication and stay involved in your child’s education. Here are some suggestions: Set up regular check-ins with your child to discuss their progress, challenges, and achievements. Show genuine interest and offer support and guidance when needed. Collaborate with your child’s teachers and attend parent-teacher conferences to stay updated on their academic performance and social development. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports that align with their interests. This can help them develop new skills, make friends, and stay engaged in school life. Foster a growth mindset by praising your child’s effort and perseverance rather than solely focusing on grades. Help them view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

Absolutely! Here are a few more tips to consider: Designate a specific area in your home as a quiet study space for your child, free from distractions. This will help them focus and develop good study habits. Model a love of learning by reading books, exploring new hobbies, and showing curiosity about the world around you. Your child is more likely to value education if they see you embracing learning yourself. Provide a variety of learning resources and tools, such as books, educational games, or online programs, to make learning engaging and fun. Celebrate your child’s accomplishments and progress, no matter how big or small. This will boost their confidence and motivate them to continue striving for success.