10 Tips for a Successful School Year

Yes, with the start of another school year your child will be exposed to a new teacher, a new classroom and a whole load of new topics and subjects. After this fresh start, wouldn’t it be nice if there were no hiccups through theautumn and beyond. And as parents, we can reduce the number of stumbling blocks in a number of ways – so we’ve taken a look at a few of them here.

1.  Get prepared…

If you haven’t yet shopped for uniform, bear in mind that some clothing retailers still provide offers - even during the early weeks of September.  With the credit crunch biting sharply into the leather of parents’ purses, look out for those 3 for 2 or ‘buy 1 get one half price’ offers to make the most of your money. Just be aware that many shops run out of stock quickly at the start of term, so head to the shops as soon as you can.  Don’t forget to label all clothing items with iron-on, sew-on or self-adhesive labels. Not only is a lost jumper at school an inconvenience; the cost of replacing items mounts up, too. 

2. Bedtimes…

Get into a routine of preparing for school the night before.  Let your child become involved with packing lunch or laying out clothes. Also, start finding a bedtime routine and get them to bed early, as too many late nights will play havoc with a child’s immune system. Children who go to sleep at a suitable hour give their body time to repair and to regenerate. Settle your child by reading a warming storybook together and use the time to lightly discuss any concerns.  
 

3. Mornings…

Pre-school hours are usually hectic and sometimes chaotic.  It’s hard to fit 30 activities into the space of two hours, but each and every family miraculously manages to fulfil this task while being half asleep!  To smooth the morning’s rough edges, invest time outside the school rush to teach your children valuable life skills such as dressing themselves, brushing hair and tying shoelaces.  Re-set your clock 15 minutes early and allow yourself plenty of time. Arrive early at school so that you can stay a little while with your child. 

4. Pack a healthy lunch…
Some parents may wish to be creative with food and pack a vitamin-rich lunch for their child to take in to school. Sneak in some healthy options using plenty of fruit and vegetables if you can, Fresh ideas include: a small tub of coleslaw; vegetable soup in a flask; fruit yoghurt or yoghurt drink; dried fruit such as raisins; and a carton of pure fruit juice.  More ideas can be found at: www.5aday.nhs.uk.

5. At the end of the day…

As you finish work for the day, lay aside your daily stress, and just focus on being a parent. Try to arrive at the school gates a little early, as by being a few minutes late you will leave a child feeling vulnerable. Have a healthy snack ready to give to your child to replenish energy levels. And allow some behavioural leeway for the first couple of weeks as they settle into a new routine, which is often exhausting.  

6. Choosing childcare…

Thanks to a Government initiative, it has never been so easy to find suitable childcare before and after school. All schools are expected to provide access to extended childcare services by 2010, with half of primary schools doing so by 2008.  Primary schools are to offer access to high quality childcare between 8am and 6pm on the school site or through other local providers such as childminders, with supervised transfer arrangements where appropriate. This of course allows children to simply relax, play and unwind in a safe environment, as their parents work. 

7. Keeping on top of homework…

Encourage your child to keep on top of homework by getting them to complete it as soon as they can.  You can make life easy and comfortable for your child by creating a suitable environment for him or her to study in. Completing work at a regular time is vitally important, and needs to be carefully scheduled into your child’s routine. 

8. Encourage interests…

Improved confidence and self esteem are often the rewards for children who develop a special interest outside of school. And primary school children are at a perfect age to acquire interests and learn new skills, as parents are still able to exercise their influence, to steer children positively towards an activity, or interest that draws on a personal strength. If children believe they are good at one thing, their self-belief grows. 

9. Encourage healthy friendships…

It’s definitely worth keeping a watchful eye on friendships, as we all worry that our children will fall in with the wrong crowd, even at an early age. Don’t always leave your child’s friendships to chance!  Sometimes, a youngster may need a little assistance to choose a compatible playmate.  As each year goes by at school, the influence of peers becomes greater.  Creating a solid set of values and beliefs at home will help reduce the level of peer influence.  

10. Just be there for them…

A child who is regularly comforted, who is assured of love and whose needs are responded to, will feel more secure and content.  After all, who doesn’t enjoy unconditional attention being lavished on them?  And this is all our children want, too. 

Kirsty Woodgate