A collective sigh can often be heard that first day of school when kids come flooding back in the doors and parents are relieved that someone else is in charge of their kids during the week again. You did it! You survived the summer!
For some kids and parents though, it’s not all fun and games. The beginning of the school year can bring with it a host of new anxiety: Who is going to be my teacher? Will I be with my friends? What if I don’t fit in?
Back to School: Helpful Tips for Parents
1. Calm Yourself! :
The very best thing you can do for your child is not to let your own anxious thoughts rub off on your child. Anxiety is contagious. Chances are, if you are anxious about the start of the school year, your child will be too. Instead, assure them that no matter who their teacher is – it’s gonna be all right. If they are not with their friends – they will make new ones. Yes, it may not be the ideal, but your child will get through it with your support.
2. Team up with the Teacher:
No matter who your child’s teacher may be, you have at least one thing in common – you both want your child to have a great year. Parents often get all too wrapped up in what teacher they think is “best” for their child, when the reality is that school is a great opportunity for your child to learn to work with many different personalities. Whatever you do, please don’t complain about the teacher in front of your child. No matter the situation, badmouthing only further damages your child’s relationship with that teacher and nothing good can come from that. Believe me. You must learn to work together to meet your child’s needs. You’re on the same team!
3. Make New Friends:
Ya you! Your child is not the only one who needs to socialize! There are a host of other parents going through the exact same thing as you are! Find one you connect with and invite them over for tea! (Or mid-week wine!) Your kids can play while you strategize how to survive the rest of the school year and reminisce about how fast the little ones are growing up!
4. Volunteer:
If you can spare an hour even one time during the school year to volunteer in your child’s class or on a school field trip, there is nothing more insightful than to see the classroom in its true form. Keep in mind that you are not a secret spy sent to collect evidence about that kid who picks on your kid at recess. Instead, focus on the fact that your child will be tickled pink that are there and the teacher will be grateful for your support. Brownie points for you!
5. Enjoy the Freedom:
Listen, your kids are in capable hands. Rest assured that they are well taken care of and for crying out loud enjoy the time away from them! They’ll be that much more happy to see you when the bell rings at the end of the day.
These are great tips- I'm a high school teacher who starts back up in a week, and I like these tips for myself!
My wife was a para at an autistic school, and these are good tips for having a great school year!
My oldest is starting a new school with new friends and I'm so anxious. I'm definitely going to work on #3 and #4. Great tips!
My daughter is starting her 2nd year of preschool this year… and I still get anxiety over it. How she's acting. How she's coping. Is she having fun? Does she like her teacher? … Every little reminder that she is in good, kind, and capable hands is little relief on my heart. Thank you!
These are such great tips! I always try to do my best with all these! Thank you for sharing!
That's a great idea!
That's great! Thanks for passing it along!
Glad you found it helpful!
Lol I understand. Though I always love that first day of school!
You are so welcome!
Thank you and I'm glad you found it helpful! She'll be great! Especially if you're excited about it too!
Good luck!
Lol you're a busy lady!
I absolutely agree!
Making Teacher friends is really important.
Resting while my daughter is away from me for the first time and I still have an active baby may be challenging 🙂
So many great tips, especially the one about working with your child's teacher(s) instead of trying to work against them. As a teacher, I can't tell you how many times I've hit a brick wall in trying to collaborate with parents in order to increase their student's success in the classroom. Teachers want nothing more than to see their students thrive and succeed.
Nice tips – thank you for sharing!
This is such a great list and I know it will be helpful in preparing parents for back to school!
Great tips. I'm doing all accept the last because the twins are still home -)
Fantastic advice! I taught elementary school for six years. My teaching experience has made me a better parent of a school-aged child. #2 is so important in helping your child have a great school year!
I am a teacher as well, and it's funny to see the excitement of the parents of the children in comparison to myself…parents can't wait….I sure can!
Wonderful tips for parents! Many of the parents/students that come to our center are getting ready to go back to school and I know they would find this helpful. I'll have to forward to them. Our kids get especially anxious so parents would love these tips to keep themselves calm as well as their children for back to school.
The first day of school is a scary one for all involved. Thank you for sharing such great tips. 🙂
I miss the excitement of a new school year!
I don't have kids, but these are all great tips! I always loved the fresh start of a new school year!
I love this so much. My little one is only one and a half, but I know we will be here before we know it!
I'm a teacher as well and agree that these are great tips! My little one is also starting nursery school in September… ahhhh!
We moved around a lot when I was a kid, so I often had to cope with going back to school even during the school year when I had to transfer. It taught me to be a very adaptable person, but I faced a lot of challenges, too. These tips are great for anyone–teaming up with your child's teacher to help ease the transition is a must.
I like your suggestion for the parents to make friends too! Back to school can be a struggle for some parents and why not get the support of others in the same boat as you. Great post…sharing!
Love the "Team up with the Teacher!" Teacher-children-parent relationships should be beneficial and work to better the child!
Hahaha yes wine and new friends! Also enjoy sometime for yourself!
oh girl! I needed to read some of these! My baby only starts VPK this yeah but i am SOOO nervous! And your tip about not becoming adversarial with the teacher could apply to just about every relationship in life, great post! I appreciate it. 😉
Hope you have a good school year! I can see why you would need wine!
Absolutely! So important!
Definitely! It's the only way!
Thanks! 🙂
Thanks Amanda! Good luck! You'll both do great! 🙂
Yes, yes all of these. Thanks for tips – it's true some of my best mom friends have come from my child's friendships. Here's to another school year.
My husband and I are pretty lucky that our kids don't ever seem to get nervous when going to a new place, like school or the nursery at church, generally they couldn't care less when we leave. 🙂 But, my son does have a hard time adjusting to new routines and doing what's expected of him, so I think that teaming up with the teacher is a great suggestion! So important to be able to support each other.
As a teacher – I so appreciate #2 on the list! I have an awesome room mom who, when they see the class list in the mail, says, "I was hoping you'd get that one! They're the best teacher ever!" even if it's a new teacher who she's never met yet. It's so awesome, and the enthusiasm rubs off on the kids.