It is best to prepare your child for school starting at least a few weeks before school starts to give your family a great start to the school year. With your little one starting school for the first time, you both may be feeling nervous and perhaps excited at the same time. There are many ways parents can help their child adjust to this new phase of independence.
Here are 8 tips to prepare your child for school:
Note: This post contains an affiliate link to a product that I know, love and trust- if you purchase items from them I will be compensated.
1. Teach them how to dress themselves
Layout their clothes and teach them how to dress independently. Allow them to put on the outerwear themselves as well – including shoes and jackets. Choose shoes (indoor/outdoor) that you know they can put on themselves. Not only will this foster independence it will free up time for you to do other things.
2. Start shopping for school items at the beginning of the summer
Create a list of all the things your child will need for the school year. For example shoes, clothes, jackets (consider the seasons), water bottle, snack containers, lunch bag, backpack and school supplies. Over the summer you can take your time buying these items and be able to look for sales. Waiting till the weekend before school starts is a recipe for stress and increases the cost as school items may not be on sale.
3. Label all personal items
Mabel’s Labels is a great way to label personal belongings so things don’t get lost. These labels are dishwasher safe, microwave safe and are waterproof. Label water bottles, clothes, jackets, hats, mitts, and school supplies. You have spent time and money purchasing these items, so these labels can help to protect these belongings.
4. Teach your child to use a public washroom
Show your child how to a public washroom and go through the steps on how to independently use one. Show them how to open and lock the bathroom door, look for a clean toilet with toilet paper, how to self wipe, and how to flush the toilet. Lastly, emphasize the importance of handwashing!
5. Teach them how to hold a pencil properly and how to use scissors
These are 2 useful skills when starting school. Practice over the summer. It will help if they can read their own names. This will help them to recognize their labelled personal items.
6. Read to them for 5 – 10 minutes every day
Reading is so important for their literacy skills. It is a great habit for your family to implement into your daily routine. Reading will also give you and your child some sit-down time together.
7. Schedule and take them to health appointments
Go see the dentist, optometrist and if needed the family doctor. If they need glasses, you want them to get used to wearing glasses well before school starts. If there are health problems, then you have time to sort through the issues before school starts as well
8. Prepare your child for school by getting into the habit of getting a good night’s sleep
Starting 1-2 weeks before school starts, make sure your child gets into bed by their bedtime so they get a good night’s sleep. Being well rested during school is really important for them to feel good, be mentally prepared to learn and to make it a great experience.
BONUS TIP from a Cents and Family reader: Snacks and lunch
This might be your child’s first time eating on their own. Pack foods that they are familiar with. Set a timer so they understand that snack/lunchtime is done over a set time period and thus talk about timing. Work with them to get comfortable getting everything out of the lunch bag and opened. Explain what is snacks and what is for lunch.
PIN FOR LATER
These 8 tips will make school life easier for you and your family. Prepare your child for school early so they feel comfortable with the idea of going to school. These tips will also make it easier for you, as a parent, to let them go knowing that they can take care of themselves. You want their first day, week and the whole school year to be a great experience.
You may also like:
1. When Kids Become More Independent
2. Back to School Organization Ideas
[…] 3. Label All Personal Items (from Cents and Family) […]
Such great ideas! I never even thought about teaching them how to use the public restroom! Thanks for the tips!
Such great tips for any parent! I can remember the back to school process like it was yesterday! So exciting!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com