Raise Your Hand if You’re Ready for School to Start!
by Denise Vega
As a parent, I always had mixed feelings about the start of school. We always had a great summer and I missed my kids when they were gone. But as an author and writing instructor, it was also nice to have more uninterrupted time to write and plan my classes. And I know for my friends who worked full time, school provided a more predictable schedule that made their lives a little easier.
No matter what, the transition from summer to school for both parents and children can be a challenge. Here are some tips I developed from my own experience:
- Keep kids involved. Let them pick out their school supplies (if you aren’t buying the kit in advance) and review any first day of school procedures, going so far as to role play if you need to so they feel comfortable and ready.
- Ask kids their opinions. Whether it’s about lunch options or what to wear, give your kids ownership of their experience.
- Give kids responsibilities. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities such as putting on their own coat, making sure their homework is finished and in their backpacks, or packing their own lunch (mine started packing theirs in second grade). And make sure you’ve allowed time to do so!
- Let kids accept the consequences. If they make a mistake, let the consequences be what they are. It may be difficult to watch them struggle, but the lesson will be theirs and they won’t forget it.
The start of school can be stressful and exciting for parents and kids. But with a little preparation, it can be a fun experience. And to help ease the little ones a bit, check out these back to school books!
Denise Vega is the award-winning author of seven books from toddler to teen, including her newest picture book, If Your Monster Won't Go to Bed. She is a popular speaker at events and schools, a writing instructor at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and a Young Adult Faculty Mentor for the Regis University MFA in Creative Writing. She also offers manuscript critiques and consultations to writers. Denise lives in Denver with her family where she loves to hike, walk, swim, read, and eat French fries. Find out more about Denise, her books, and her idiosyncrasies at www.denisevega.com
