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Back to School Tips
From the American Academy of Pediatrics
Making the First Day Easier
- Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
- Give your child some strategies for coping with bullies. He should not give in to a bully's demands, but should simply walk away or tell the bully to stop. If you have to, talk with the teacher about a persistent bully.
- Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. If your child is older, have him offer to walk with or wait at the bus stop with a new or younger child.
Checklist for the First Day of School
- Have you filled out all the health forms or emergency contact forms that have been sent home? Has your child received necessary immunizations?
- Is your child registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start?
- How is your child going to get to school? If your child is biking, does she know the school rules for bicycles? Have you reviewed safety precautions with her regarding traffic and strangers?
- What time is lunch? Can your child buy it at school, and how much will it cost? Will he need a snack?
- What clothes will your child need to wear? Are there any restrictions on what can be worn? Will she need a different set of clothes for physical education or art classes?
- Have any new health problems developed in your child over the summer that will affect her school day? Does the school nurse know about this condition, or is an appointment set up to discuss it?
- If your child will need to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this?
- Does your youngster know where he is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does he know how he will get there? If you will not be there when he arrives, does he know who will be responsible for him, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?