Whether your child is attending a new school, transitioning to kindergarten from preschool or from elementary to middle school, they may feel anxious about all the newness. As their parent, you may also feel nervous. Our Head Start program is starting this week, and we know that emotions are high for both our students and parents.
Here are some helpful tips on how to have a successful school year.
Are you looking for quality child care? We are currently enrolling children in our Head Start Birth to Five program, click here to learn more.
Care.com reached out to Dr. Fran Walfish, a child and family psychotherapist and author of “The Self-Aware Parent,” and Dr. Christina Nichols, a licensed clinical psychologist, to share some great tips to help calm your child’s fears (and your own) and help your family get ready for a successful school year!
1. Introduce your child to their new school schedule one to two weeks before the start of the school year.
That first week can be tough! Get ahead of the “back to school blues” by preparing a week early. Have your child go through the motions of waking up, getting dressed and out the door. Use this time to practice your morning route to the school as well!
2. Create a family calendar that tracks each member’s activities, commitments, and family time.
Although it is encouraged to have your children involved in after school programs and extracurricular activities, regular family time is just as important. That time might include eating a meal together, an evening neighborhood walk, or playing games. Put it on the calendar so your kids can look forward to it.
3. Refresh your rules about screen time for the school year. What’s allowed and when?
We get it, it’s 2019 and keeping your kids away from screens seems virtually impossible, but it can be done. Use this opportunity to exchange screen time for book time. It will be a hard transition at first but this will help your children excel throughout their school year.
4. Have your kids set realistic goals for the new year, such as reading 30 books.
Just like a new calendar year, a new school year is a great opportunity to set some resolutions and get intentional. A book goal is a great idea for kids. Share your goals with your kids as well, therefore they can understand the need and benefit of this task.
5. Create a rewards system for when kids meet goals like helping around the house.
Positive reinforcement works wonders for kids. You can choose the traditional allowance route or reward with additional screen time. Incentivize your kids to meet their goals.
We are thrilled to start our new school year and wish the best of luck to all of you parents out there. If you would like more information on our Head Start program, reach out to us at the numbers below. For 20 + years, CCRC has been providing quality Head Start preschool experiences and early education services for California’s youngest learners, 0-5. Join today and give your child a head start in life.
For more information on San Fernando Valley programs, call: 818-717-4515
For more information on Antelope Valley programs, call: 661-273-4710
