Back-to-school Tips for Parents 01.08.2022

I believe everyone is having a wonderful summer break. This is a special newsletter as we aim to support both parents and students towards a smooth back-to-school. Going back to school after the long summer break may bring about mixed emotions to some. While some of your children may be overly excited, some may be a little nervous.

It is important to prepare your child early mentally and physically so that they feel confident to be back to school. I have gathered tips to support you and your child that will help with organisation, routine and expectation. 

 1. Use a calendar

The younger children will be better prepared when they can visually see when school will start again. Hang a physical calendar in their bedroom or in their study area and use coloured markers to countdown. Make the activity fun and positive, so that your child feels that going back to school is something they can look forward to.

Older children may still like to use a physical calendar but most may probably prefer to use their mobile phones to track the days. It is helpful to remind your older child to have the school calendar downloaded in their tab or their mobile device.

 2. Back to school shopping

Organising a trip to shop for school supplies can be stressful. Pick a date to go shopping with your child in advance so that you can have a relaxing experience with each of your children. Some find it helpful to have different shopping times with different children as it eases the chaos. Engaging younger children in the activity by choosing their own bag, shoes, stationeries, lunch box may increase their excitement going back to school and using new supplies.

Meanwhile, older children e.g. 16 yrs and above may still like to go shopping with their parents, but some may prefer to go along with friends. Parents can still get involved in the process by taking part in their shopping list preparation task. Allowing them to go shopping on their own, means they can learn the process of preparing a shopping list and spend within their budget.  

3. Preparing the study area

I can imagine the study area may have now became a warrior ship or a camping ground with perhaps loads of toys and pillows and blankets! It is helpful to clear and organise the study area 1 week in advance (or plan a suitable timeframe). This is the time to engage in cleaning, and maintenance works such as fixing the light bulb, replacing dirty curtains, replacing dried markers, sharpening pencils, emptying the waste basket, and identifying what other supplies are needed in the study area.

Getting your younger child to participate in the cleaning process helps with setting their mindset for school and school assignments. You might want to do it in stages as to avoid the task being a stressful one for you and your child.

Older children can independently prepare their study area, but parents can work together with them on the timeline so that they have ample time to identify what need to be fixed, replaced or cleaned, and be fully prepared to start school with ease of mind.

 4. Introducing bedtime and school routine

Younger children will need some time to get back to their school sleep routine that they had before the summer holiday. Parents can introduce the school sleep routine nearer to the time and it may be helpful to introduce back some of the school supplies during their play time, allowing them to inspect their school uniform (they may even get to try them on), or have a drive around the to-school route.

5. Deal with expectations

As parents, you know your child better than anyone. You know which one is the nervous one, which one is the shy one, and the cheery one. So talk with them about what might be happening on the first day at school and the first week of school. It might be helpful to go through the names of their class teachers again, and talk about all the exciting things they will learn in school. Separation anxiety is common among younger children, because by then they have spent a lot of time with their parents during the summer break. Assure them you will come to pick them up at a certain time.

6. Talk to them about the people they can reach out to in school if they need help

To ensure your child feels safe and supported while in school, parents can discuss with their child who they can go to for help or assistance while in school, for whatever reason.

I hope, these tips are helpful and parents can be at ease of mind knowing that everything is in order. If you have any other wonderful tips that you find to be helpful for you and perhaps would like to share, drop me a line.

In addition, should your child need to talk to someone or should they need extra emotional support while in school, they may come and meet me for a chat. I can be contacted at counsellor@kis.edu.my

Till then~ enjoy the rest of your summer holiday and see you soon.

Datin Siti Naim

School Counsellor