slides: BACK TO SCHOOL 2012: 14 Mom-to-Mom Tips

Practice Being Apart

If your kids are not accustomed to being apart from you, it’s wise to begin the process. A few weeks before school starts, have grandparents or a babysitter watch your child for several hours. Arrange drop-off playdates for your child. The critical point is demonstrating that you’ll come back for them at the appointed time and place.

Practice Going to School

Get familiar with the route and the routine before the first day of school. Point out fun landmarks along the way. (Photo: OliBac/flickr)

Meet Kids In the Class

Find out the names of their classmates if possible. Schedule playdates or see if the school or parents association has arranged any class gatherings before the first day. (Photo: edenpictures/flickr)

Hand Over Some Control

Give children control over what they can control. Let them make simple choices like picking the color of their backpack or their outfit on the first day of school.

Don't Forget the Basics

Help your child learn their name, address and phone number. They might be asked these things at school and it can be embarrassing if they haven't learned them. (Photo: Knight Foundation/flickr)

Tuck Away a Souvenir

Give them a reminder of home. Hang a family photo of your family from your child’s backpack or place one inside. Or let them stash a special keepsake inside their bag.

Help Them Think Ahead

It really pays, in this case, to think ahead. Sometimes it is hard for children to imagine what it will be like at a new school or in a new grade. Talk to them about the sequence of events in their day so they can form a mental picture in their head and ease their tension. (Photo: katerha/flickr)

Read All About It

Read books about starting school. Click here for my list of 21 books about school, both for brand-new kindergartners as well as kids going into elementary school. Many of these are available locally, at your neighborhood library, or online for purchase.

Get Them Talking

Ease tension and help yourself identify what might be concerning your child by getting them talking. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions, such as:

“What are you really looking forward to?”
“What do you think the hardest part of school is going to be?”
“Is there anything that worries you about starting school?” (Photo: mpimintel001)

Don't Overpromise

Try not to make promises about things you cannot control.

For example: “You will love your teacher and make lots of new friends.” Although we wish this for our children, we do not want to set them up for disappointment. Try instead "I cannot wait to hear about what happens today at school." (Photo: USAG-Humphries/flickr)

Shift Bedtime Earlier

One or two weeks before school begins, start to emulate your school routine – which may mean going to sleep earlier or waking up earlier. (Photo: Santa Rosa OLDSKOOL/flickr)

Know the Drop-Off Policy

Find out if the school allows/encourages parents to walk into their child’s classroom and how long they can stay. If you anticipate that your child will need extra time to adjust, talk to the teacher before school starts, if you can.

Celebrate the First Day

Consider adding a special First Day of School Tradition into your family's life. Make a special breakfast, take a photo of your child ready for school in front of the house, tuck a love note in their lunchbox, or plan a special snack when they come home. (Photo: ccqatar/flickr)

Plan the Goodbye Now

What does your child need? What will be most helpful for you and them to make the transition – a quick hug, five minutes of cuddle time or a chance to talk about their day?