The summer is coming to an end and the first day of school will soon be here. Your children might already be complaining about returning, but you can help them look forward to the day instead. Use some of these first day of school survival tips to help your child do more than survive their first day – help them to thrive.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Your children may have gotten used to staying up late and sleeping in during the summer months. At least a week before school starts, if not sooner, begin to adjust your child’s body clock by having them go to bed at the same time they’ll go during the school year. Wake them when they’ll need to get up. This will help them be more ready to get to bed and rise at the right time the first day of school.
Dress in Comfortable Clothes
The night before the first day of school, have them bathe or shower before going to bed. Help them pick out what they’ll wear, making sure it is loose so they’ll be comfortable sitting in the classroom all day. Gather their shoes and socks so they’ll be easy to find to get dressed in the morning.
Pack their Book Bag the Night Before
Most schools provide a list of supplies they expect students to have. Help your child ensure their book bag has any items they’ll need to take for the first day. You may also want to help them write their name on the inside of their book bag, and on other supplies, so they can be easily recognized. Put an index card with your name and contact information on it. Be sure to include a work, cell, or home number wherever you will be during the day. Place the filled book bag near the door you’ll exit to get in the car or meet the bus.
Eat a Good Breakfast
Plan on getting up early enough that you’ll be able to prepare a good, balanced breakfast. You may want to make their favorite meal rather than having them merely eat cold cereal. Include a protein with their meal and they’re sure to have the energy they need for the day.
Get to School on Time
Since your child will be rising in plenty of time to get dressed, have a good breakfast, and know where to find their book bag, there’s no reasons they shouldn’t get to school on time. In fact, you may want to make a concerted effort to have your child ready to leave well before time.
Despite the fact your children would prefer otherwise, the new school year will begin shortly. First day school survival is possible for your children. In fact, if you follow these tips you can help them to thrive on their first day rather than merely survive.
