1. Do a test run: Map out how long it takes to get to school. Pick up their new class schedule and do a walk through of your child’s day. Locate the library, lunchroom, restrooms etc. Find their locker and practice using the combination padlock.
2. Don’t Skip Open House: The teachers and support staff have spent hours mapping out a route for your child’s success, so jump on board.
3. Do keep your emotions in check on the first day of school: No looming around and going into the ugly cry when it’s time to say goodbye. Save your tears for the girls at Starbucks. A simple and brief goodbye is best.
4. Do make the most out of back to school shopping: We all know you could buy a small Island near Fiji with what you shell out for school clothes and supplies. So you might as well make an adventure out of it. Take just one child at a time turn it into a Mommy or Daddy date day. Enjoy lunch, school shopping and one-on-one time before before summer ends.
5. Don’t forget the importance of open house: Even though you are sitting on small chairs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask big questions. The parent teacher conference is like a business meeting. So dress in a respectable manner. Go in prepared with open ended questions and take notes on what the teacher shares with you.
6. Don’t Make a log jam during dismissal:The car line is for picking up . It isn’t for gifted testing or science fair explanations. If you have to ask the teacher a question that requires an answer longer than 10 seconds, then email the teacher or book a conference.
7. Do communicate often and early with the teacher: Let them know about your child’s interests, allergies, test anxieties, etc. If your child blows up like a float at The Macy’s Parade after exposure to nuts, the drop off line on the first morning of school is not the time to alert the teacher.
8. Do start back to school rituals 7 to 14 days before school starts: Let your children do dry runs of laying out their clothes, preparing lunches, as well as implementing the “back to school bedtime drill”, so they can adapt their body clock to school wake up hours.
9. Don’t let backpacks and lunch boxes ferment in your 100 degree SUV: When you all get home from school have the kids clean them out and hang them up, before they hunker down to enjoy their afternoon snack.
10. Don’t forget to put your child’s teacher on a pedestal: They are building the childhood hopes & acedemic health of your little one, so be supportive, ask them how you can help, what they need . Even if they ask for a kidney — Give it to them. They deserve it!
