8 Back To School Tips For Parents of School Children

OGBUGOH TERUNDU JOY

The long holiday is almost over, and what a breath of relief, right?! Almost every parent cannot wait for those school gates to swing open so that the kids who spent most of their time running the house upside down can run through and give us all a break! But we need to get ready for their resumption as well. So find below 8 tips every parent would find useful as their children return to school:

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1. SET UP A SLEEP ROUTINE:

Studies show that toddlers (1-2 years) need a minimum of 9-10 hours of sleep everyday while preschoolers (3-5 years) need 8 to 9 hours of sleep and children of 6-13 years need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. So while during the holidays you may have allowed them to stay up late into the night and sleep in at their luxury, that would no longer be convenient as they would need to go to bed early in order to get the required amount of sleep to be able to function properly at school. If your child needs to be up by 6.am to get ready for school, then it will be wise to go to bed before 9 p.m.

2. GET THEIR SCHOOL ESSENTIALS READY

Prepare school bags, sandals, uniforms and writing materials. Replace worn out items and work on those that require just a little touch up. Iron uniforms, polish shoes, lay out and arrange all necessary items ready for their first day.

3. ORGANIZE THEIR BACKPACKS

The backpack is your child’s constant companion, so you want to make sure that it is not too heavy but comfortable and as light as it could be. Choose a backpack with large and padded shoulder straps for comfort and ensure they don’t swing it over just one shoulder as that can strain the muscle. Sort out its contents so that the bag does not weigh more than 20% of your child’s weight. Remove unnecessary items and organize contents in different compartments of the bag.

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4. PERSONAL HYGIENE

Trim their fingernails, take them to groom their hair recommended by the school and treat any existing ailments especially transmittable illnesses so that they don’t pass it on to other children at school.

5. STOCK UP ON FOOD AND SNACK ESSENTIALS

Studies say that foods that are rich in protein, fiber, whole grains but low in sugar are likely to hike your child’s concentration, memory and give them the energy needed to focus in school. Examples of such foods are oats, milk, eggs, vegetables, bananas, apples, berries, brown rice amongst others. So you might want to dash to the market purchase these foods before school starts.

6. PREPARE THEM MENTALLY

While some kids cannot wait to go back to school, others may not share the same enthusiasm. But that’s okay. Sit with your child to point out positive aspects of school like meeting new friends, reuniting with old ones and how an education can enable them buy a sportscar someday or whatever item you think would sway them.

Where it is a new school, take your child to the school before resumption to familiarise them with the new environment and get acquainted with their teacher.

Educate your child on appropriate school behaviour and and discourage those bad behaviour. If your child has bullying tendencies, have a good talk with him about being mean to other kids and if your child was previously bullied, discuss appropriate steps to take when threatened by a bully. 

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7. SAFETY PRECAUTION

If your child uses the school bus home, encourage him or her to always use the seat belt while on the bus. A child who walks to school should watch the road for approaching vehicles, look left and right, ensure the road is clear before they cross, and to always to cross in groups of other kids.

8. GET THEIR FEES READY

Last but definitely not the least, prepare and ensure school fees are paid to avoid embarrassments by the school authority.