Tue, August 13, 2024

7 Tips for Taking the Stress Out of Back-to-School

By Anne Burns and Mary Ann Clerkin, Parents League School Advisors

As summer begins to draw to an end, we hope it was a good one and wanted to take a moment to share some tips to get you and your child ready for the first day of school. As they (and you) begin to feel the transition from summer freedom, outdoor play, and unstructured time, you as parents can help them adjust to the start of school and share any excitement or quell any worries. Here are a few ideas to help the return to school be as seamless as possible.

1. Adjust to school year bedtime

In the first few weeks prior to the start of school, begin to gradually adjust bedtime and morning wakeup hours so that they are in line with the rhythm they will need on the first day and beyond. 

2. Make back-to-school shopping fun

Together take an outing (or a trip on-line) to buy a new backpack, a lunchbox and school supplies as needed. Enjoy the moment and the thrill of a new purchase for a new adventure.

3. Schedule playdates ahead

Once you have received your class list, set up a few playdates prior to the start of school with some familiar friends and some new ones. 

4. Create a homework workspace

Together with your child, set up a workspace at home where they can settle in after school – snack or dinner – to have some quiet work time. Whether or not they have assigned homework, it is a comfort to have a routine that bridges home and school. Drawing, looking at a book, building with small blocks is a welcome time for relaxation and focus.

5. Plan school vacations together

Consider making a calendar with various dates to look forward to, both in terms of vacations and in-school celebrations. Highlight it together and place it on their workspace so that they can anticipate the fun ahead.

6. Promote good feelings and reduce anxiety around school

In a casual setting or moment, share with them your own excitement about the year ahead and ask them how they are feeling and if they have any questions. Reach out to the school for support and guidance if they seem anxious for some reason. 

7. Make the first day of school special

Begin to consider how you as a parent will help to make the first day of school special. A favorite pancake breakfast perhaps, or an outing to the park afterwards, or just downtime with you. 

These are such special moments – enjoy and treasure them and make them mutually memorable. 

Anne Burns serves as the Director of the Parents League Advisory services. She advises parents with younger children applying to preschool through elementary school, oversees Advisory and conducts, manages and oversees our school admissions workshop series. A leading educator and expert in the independent school world, Anne most recently served for ten years as the Director of Lower School at Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York before joining the Parents League. Read Anne’s full bio

Mary Ann Clerkin has been a School Advisor at the Parents League since 2008 and has special expertise counseling families transitioning from public to private school, as well as advising families applying to kindergarten, elementary, middle and upper school. Prior to joining the Parents League, she was a New York State licensed, certified, tenured teacher and the Director of The Community House in Forest Hills Gardens for over 20 years. Read Mary Ann’s Full bio