Boston public school students have less than a month left until they return to school, so it’s time that we started posting tips for parents and children that are preparing for education to resume. In this blog post, we will cover four ways that you can help your child adjust to the idea of going back to school. Follow these tips and your child’s transition to the new school year will go smoothly.
Adjusting the Body Clock
One of the hardest things to do in preparation for sending kids back to school is preparing them for the early morning wake-ups. Instead of waiting until the last minute to adjust their body clocks, start a couple of weeks before the first day of school. That will give you plenty of time to gradually ease them back into an appropriate schedule.
Experts recommend having your child get up at a time that allows plenty of time to get ready for school in the morning, with some extra time allotted for finding homework and lost socks. Have your child adopt this new rising time immediately, while simultaneously moving their bed time back 20 or 30 minutes every few days. Begin this now, and your child will be on the right schedule before the first day of school.
Preparing a Workspace
It has been proven that people (both adults and children) have better focus if they are in a place that is associated with work. Pick one spot in your home where your child will do their work, and explain to them that this is their ‘work space.’ Have them try it out in the summer while doing summer assignments like math packets or reading assignments. Then continue the practice throughout the year with homework and study time. Make sure that there are no distractions allowed in this area – keep the television off and only allow productive computer work if it is necessary.
Shopping for Necessities
This year, there will be a tax free weekend in Massachusetts on August 15th and 16th. If you want to pay less for your children’s school supplies and clothing, prepare for the crowds and enjoy the savings. Otherwise, be on the lookout for other local retailers – many will offer Back to School sales in the coming weeks in an effort to attract shoppers.
Also be a smart shopper in the first few weeks of the school year by stocking up on heavily discounted items that are left after the Back to School deals. Your kids will need refills of school supplies throughout the year, so stock up now! Also remember that dorm room items are a hot item right now, and those will also go on sale soon.
Dealing with Resistance
It’s natural for a child to resist going back to school. How you deal with it should depend on the reason why the child is struggling. Initiate a conversation and investigate your child’s reasons – Are they enjoying summer too much, or are they experiencing social anxiety? Are they simply succumbing to the ‘school isn’t cool’ mentality of older children? Are they nervous about falling behind in their studies? Gently prod to discover their deeper concerns and address them individually.
Keep an eye out here on the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog and on our Facebook Page for more articles and tips about going back to school, and comment with your ideas for Back to School posts. Also remember to call 617-298-0655 for all of your Massachusetts insurance needs!
