It happens every year.
And there are so many feelings on everyone’s part.
Some are desperately unhappy.
Some are excited.
Some are neutral.
Some are mad.
Some are afraid.
Some are ready.
Some are nervous.
Put it all together and you have school starting!
As a parent, what can you do to help your child be successful?
1. Get your child to school early or on time and don’t check them out early. They are missing important start- and end-of-the-day instruction.
2. Provide all the supplies they need or find a place that gives them out.
3. Check the backpacks for notes, newsletters, permission slips and other information from the teacher and school. Permission slips to use computers or go on field trips may be due.
4. Talk to your student and remind them to be kind to their classmates, obey the teacher, accept those students who are different from them (wheelchairs, special needs, etc.), do their best and keep trying!
5. Tell your child to tell you, their parents, and the teacher if they are having a problem or if someone is bullying, picking on them or making them afraid or uncomfortable in school or on the bus.
6. Go to the school and meetings around your work. Meet the teachers and support staff along with the administrators. Keep communication with them open.
7. Start your student’s day off right! Make it positive. Have breakfast or get them to school to eat there. Send a snack or water bottle if allowed. Let them know you are in their corner and are rooting for them!
8. Check on homework. As your student gets older, they will need less help, but young ones need to have their work looked over and checked by you. You can explain something simple that can make a world of difference for your child’s learning. Remind them to do their homework. Give value to their work!
9. Have a place for your student to do their homework and to study. If they need quietness to work, do your best to provide it. Let them keep their work and supplies in a safe place, so they know it will be there, and they will be able to settle and concentrate in their own study spot.
10. Go over tests that are sent home. Give positive comments on their work. Help explain what they missed.
Most of all, pray for your child!
If you become anxious about your baby, pray. If you are worried about your teen, pray. If your child is having trouble, pray. If things are going great, pray!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ~ Philippians 4:6
God bless!
