As a parent, “Back to School,” makes me think of the exciting start of the year for Choicelunch and stationary sales at target. As a kid, my stomach started turning by the second week of summer as I realized that no matter what, I’d have to face BACK TO SCHOOL in September.
“The truth is, I loved school, but the stark change of routines was always scary”
- No more staying up to watch “Murder, She Wrote,” on Sunday nights with my Mom.
- No more mid-week discount nights at the movies.
- No more leisurely weekday mornings, when I could eat two bowls of cheerios and raisins if I wanted.
My panic as a kid revolved around the unknowns:
- What if I didn’t have any friends in my new class?
- What if my teacher expected perfection?
- What if they make fun of me?
- Family was safe, family loved me no matter what, and with family I wasn’t alone in the unknown.
“Back to school,” should be an exciting, joyful time for our kids. As parents, it would probably help to remind us how frightening being a kid can be. The question is: what can we do to increase the joy?
Here are some ideas:
- We can acknowledge and talk about the pending change.
- Even if your child is thrilled not to be bored anymore, they still might have some questions or are nervous about something.
- By the end of summer, we can create routines which will help get everyone ready for the habits of the school year.
- We can make those first few days special.
- Does your child like a special snack, or lunch (Choicelunch, of course)?
- Does a particular sport start in the fall which will make this time of year more enticing?
Maybe the lesson is that sometimes being a kid can be stressful, and by recognizing that, we as parents can remind them that they are never alone, even in the unknown.
What are your ideas to help make Back to School smooth and joyful?
