First Day of School

Whether it's your first day in kindergarten or your first day in college, the first day of school is an exciting and sometimes stressful day for many children. Children who are returning to school and to classmates are often very excited about returning to school, those older students who enjoyed their summer vacation, might be a little stressed and depressed especially if school is a tough time for them. Preparation and communication is the key to that first day of school being a success.

First of all, make sure your child knows when school is about to start. Some children get overly excited if informed too soon that school starts in a week, others, need time to adjust their schedule, sleeping schedule, and get ready for school. Every child is an individual and communication is the key.

As a parent, you can do a lot to help your child's first day of school. Make sure that not only do they have all school supplies that they need, but that they have the clothes that are going to be acceptable at their school. Clothing and materials are a big issue when it comes to fitting in, and those students whose clothes or materials are a bit iffy as far as social acceptance goes can have a tougher time. Stay aware of what's in for your school, make sure that you're following the school dress code, and make sure that your child is not looking to make too big a fashion statement. Bullying happens no matter what age, and it's important that your child avoid situations that are known to make bullies pick on them more.

For those younger students, it's important a change sleep schedules slowly but gently for school time. You might try putting them to bed a bit earlier every night, as well as getting them up a bit earlier. Sleeping schedules are habitual, and sudden changes can make children over excited, overtired, over anxious and stressful. Change those younger students sleeping schedules well ahead of time in order to allow them to have enough rest to face the stresses of the first day of school.

Older students may not look forward to school quite as much, as parents you need to set guidelines and explain to them how important school is. Make sure you're setting your older student up for success by allowing them to have several classes that are challenging, several classes that are a bit easier, and a few in the middle. This gives them a chance to wind down during the easier or fun classes, and challenging classes can push them a bit. Keep track of your child's progress well before report cards are due. Communication about what's going on in school, projects that are due and how they're doing can alleviate the report card blues. By talking to your child on a regular basis and finding out what's going on during lunchtime, as well as what's going on in the classrooms can allow you to help your child succeed the first day of school and every day thereafter.