More Back to School Tips

Though many schools in the South have already gone back in session, most of us in the North are getting ready to start after Labor Day. Are your little (or big) ones ready?  Whether it's the first day of school ever, the first day at a new school, or just the beginning of a new school year, More Than Paper has some tips to help you and your child ease back to school!  From preparing your child (both mentally and with provisions), behavior advice, homework and even bullying -- check out these tips! 

Preparing your child:

·         Emphasize the good things about school with your child. Remind her of how she'll make new friends, learn new things, and have good times.

·         Attend any orientations. Get to know the teacher(s).  If there are other kids in the neighborhood who already attend, ask if they'd give your child some info or help.

·         If this is a new school, check out the route and transportation.

·         Teach your child basic safety tips for walking, biking, or taking the bus.

Behavior advice for your child:

·         Start right by making a good first impression with your new teacher – pay attention, follow directions, offer to help pass out papers.

·         Don’t try to be the center of attention by acting in out in class. Get attention by doing the right thing.

·         When making new friends – be yourself, listen, and share a little about your interests.

·         If there are new students in your class, make an effort to get to know them and make them feel welcome.

Bullying:

These helpful tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (used with their approval):

• Teach your child how to: Look the bully in the eye; stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation; walk away.
• Teach your child how to say in a firm voice, "I don't like what you are doing."
  "Please do NOT talk to me like that." "Why would you say that?" (most bullies aren't used to being questioned).
• Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
• Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
• If your child is the bully, make sure they know that it's never ok, and set limits on aggressive behavior. Use non-physical discipline, like loss of privileges. Be a good role model. 
• If your child is a bystander, encourage her to support other children -- by telling bullies to stop or tell a trusted adult.

Homework:

Start the school year off right by creating a good environment and study habits with your child.

·         Create a standard place for her to work, and make sure it's comfortable and well-lit.

·         Set aside a consistent time for homework. If it turns out to not be enough, modify the schedule accordingly.

·         Set restrictions on TV and non-school computer use.

·         Help your child if she needs it, but never do her homework for her.

·         Seek outside help from the teacher or counselors if your child is struggling.

Have you seen our other post on Back to School? Be sure to check out our organization tips, too! And if you haven't started your shopping, visit More Than Paper's online store of thousands of personalized and handy products for the school year ahead.