How Parents Can Prepare Their Kids For The New School Term

     Here in Nigeria, we all love the long holiday that spans from the end of July, through August and almost two weeks into September. It is even more exciting as it will usher pupils and students alike into a new class. When we first begin, it seems like it will never end but the clock is always ticking and before you know it, the holidays will be over. So whether you can't wait for the kids to be back in school or you dread the coming days, one thing is for sure, going back to school is always a big transition. 

     The hardest hits are those going to school for the first time and those who are going to a new school. For them, it is a mixture of excitement and dread, they are leaving the familiar for the unfamiliar - a new class, new teachers, a new environment and new friends. So while the children are running all over the place, we moms have to make our plans while it is still early so we don't get to rush towards the end of the holidays. We have to prepare them and ourselves too to make those first weeks easier to get through.

Here are a few ways to prepare:

• Talk to your kids and find out how they feel about the new school term. Ease into the conversation without making it a lecture. Some of them may be afraid of bullies and an environment that is inimical to their growth and development. Listen emphatically without judgement and you will have a clear understanding of the situation. Ask them how they might handle it and help them discover their hidden resources. They should not be left alone with their concerns. Remind them of access to help if their fears come to pass.
• Make a gradual adjustment to your schedule a few weeks before school resumes. Reinforce going to bed early and waking up early. It will also help to serve meals around the same time the children eat when school is in session.
• If your child is going to school for the first time or is changing schools, be sure to familiarise them with the new school. Find out if there are orientation programmes and take advantage of them. Also, let your child get to meet the teachers and use the playground. If you are given access, take a walk through the library and classroom. Tell her she will be resuming at the beginning of the term. The point is to make your kid familiar with the environment and the more she sees of the school, the more confident she will be on the first day.
• If your child is a returning student, talk about the demands of a new class, expectations and how the new class differs from the previous one.
• Put together a checklist of activities, tasks and items that will be required as they return to school. One of the easiest ways to get your children excited about school is by involving them in the process of back-to-school shopping. Allow your kids to help pick out some if not all of their school supplies. They will be more eager to use the supplies if they had a hand in selecting them.
• Help your child bond with other kids before school resumes. It could be with other kids in the neighbourhood or at church. The church can be of great help. Start by easing them into the children's church, leave them for a few minutes and then return to pick them up. Over time, they will get the message that you will always come back for them. For returning students, arrange for them to meet up with their friends and rekindle their friendship before school starts again. If possible, you can arrange for your child to go to school that first morning with a child he or she knows, even if they aren’t in the same classroom, it will ease last-minute jitters.
• Understand that each child is different and so will their feelings at the start of the new term. Some will be full of excitement, others will feel a mixture of excitement and dread. Don't make it a bigger deal than it is, read their emotions and follow their cues.
• There is also the matter of financial preparation to meet the demands of the new term. There will be books to buy, new uniforms, sandals, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. School fees and bus fares are not left out either.
• In the first week of resumption, arrive early to pick up your kids from school. This will reduce anxiety and panic in your child who has spent most of the holidays with you and will further boost your child's confidence in the new term.
• Set achievable goals for your children. Talk about what they will like to accomplish or change in the new term.
• Get in the right frame of mind by speaking positively. Remind your kids of their favourite activities at school and that you are always available to assist them with any challenge they might have.
• Gather as much information as you can from your child's school and prepare yourself and involve your kids in the conversation.
• The scare of COVID-19 is not over. Remind your kids of proper hygiene and set an example by washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask and observing social distancing.

     We will be doing a series of back-to-school posts this week, try not to miss any of them. Thank you for reading, please share this article and follow us on Pinterest and Facebook.