It’s that time of year when many children are beginning to return to school. In this article, we will cover ways to make the first day easier, bullying at school, some tips and tricks for kids and their parents, and some studying tips for college students.
First things first, the first day back to school
This is usually a time where the kids are feeling a little excited, nervous, scared, and a plethora of other emotions.
While emotions are running high for your children (not just the littles, sometimes the big ones too) try pointing out the positive aspects of going back to school. Talk about the positive experiences you had in the past at school. Some children also need extra reassurance. Offering a ride to and from school on the first day can help keep them calm.
Another great tip, start getting your children in the routine of going to school now by having them go to bed and wake up at the same time they would once school begins.
Back to School Bullying
The most important part of the equation here is that your child feels comfortable talking with an adult in the event they are the victim of bullying. Teach them to become comfortable asking a trusted adult for help. All children should be aware of the serious nature behind bullying and acknowledge their feelings if they become a victim.
If your child is being bullied at school, you should alert the school officials first to report the incident and work with them on solutions.
Second, teach your child to respond to the bully by teaching your child to: a) Look the bully in the eye; b) Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation; and c) Walk away. Teach them to say in a firm voice “I don’t like what you are doing” and “Please do NOT talk to me like that”.
Be sure an adult who is aware of the bullying can look out for your child when you’re not there. Monitor your child’s social media or text interactions (if applicable) so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
Back to School Tips & Tricks
- Prepare mentally – this includes sleep schedules, talking with your children about expectations, and discussing feelings about going back to school.
- Put time and schedule management plans in place – this includes roughly outlining your child’s day, creating a family calendar that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments, and schedule blocks of time to check in with each child to see how things are going.
- Plan for before- and after-school hours – this includes having a backup transportation plan in the event the children miss the bus, getting your children involved in after-school activities to keep them active, and planning an after-school schedule that allows time for a snack, relaxation, play and study.
- Set up a system for making or buying lunch – this includes getting reusable water bottles to increase water consumption during the day, getting the children involved in creating and preparing their daily lunch menus, obtaining copies of the school’s lunch menus in advance, and figuring out a weekly allowance.
- Organize your entire home for the busy season – this includes establishing rules for where the children should put their lunchboxes, backpacks, etc. when they come home; create an “inbox” for your children to leave things that need your attention, such as permission slips; dedicate a rack in the garage, basement, or entryway for sports equipment.
- Do everything you can the night before – this includes laying out the children’s school clothes before going to bed, checking to make sure everything is in their backpack for the next day and place it by the door, and making sure any other bags or must-have items are also left by the door.
Back to School Study Tips for College Students
The least favorite part of going back to school is studying. It’s the most time-consuming, and mentally exhausting part of learning. However, it doesn’t have to feel so daunting.
The first thing you should do is realize that you don’t have to stay at your desk the entire time you are studying. Get up and head to the coffee shop, library, or park to have a change of scenery. Moving from one room to another inside your own home can help spark your mind to retain the information in front of you.
Second, don’t get overwhelmed by large projects, such as a research paper, or subjects you’re weaker in than others. Instead, take a step back and breathe. Complete a paragraph at a time for your paper or just do a few algebra problems and take breaks rather than doing them all in one sitting.
Next, get organized. Create a system that works best for you, whether it’s a large binder with many color-coded tabs or a simple notebook and folder. Don’t make it overly complicated because then you run the risk of not keeping up with it daily.
Finally, make sure you study a little each day. This will help you retain the information for a longer duration. Cramming might help you in the short-term but not in the long run.
A rough start to the year doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Get proactive and check your grades online during the year and get a tutor if necessary. Be real with expectations on how long a particular assignment will take you to complete. This will help you plan your time and hopefully avoid a stressful evening.
In closing, try your best to remain calm and organized, talk with your children about expectations, and plan your weekdays in advance. These are the best ways to combat the beginning of the school year.
Sources:
Healthychildren.org. Back-to-School Tips. www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx. Accessed 23 August 2021.
Care.com. 101 back-to-school tips for kids and parents. www.care.com/c/101-back-to-school-tips-for-kids-and-parents. Accessed 23 August 2021.
The Princeton Review. 12 Study Tips for Back to School. www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/back-to-school-study-tips. Accessed 23 August 2021.
