Getting Ready to Go Back to School
The last few days of summer are to be savored – a long overseas vacation, playing with cousins and families and that lingering theme parks with family friends, watching movies and Olympics until dusk. Squeezing every moment of joyous freedom out of the setting summer is what you and your kids want to do, not worry about the impending school year.
But nothing ruins that feeling of freedom more than ending the summer with zero-hour panic to get organized. A few simple preparations during those last few weeks will help ease the transition.
The Elementary Student
Many children are allowed to stay up a little later in the summer. Expecting them to re-adjust to an earlier bedtime and wake-up time at the drop of a hat, however, can leave them tired and cranky.
The first and most important factor in preparing them for school is to establish a realistic bedtime that will allow them enough rest and ample time in the morning to get out the door on schedule. Start doing this at least two weeks before school, even if you are on vacation.
Take time with each child to organize his room and study area. Let your child take part in getting his room ready for the school year; for the AD/HD child it’s never too early to start learning these important habits. Check to make sure your child has enough desk area to work on and that the lighting is sufficient.
Make a list of school supplies to be purchased. Most teachers will send out notices in advance of supplies that will be needed for the next grade. Go through each closet and dresser with your child, removing the clothes your child has outgrown and making a list of what is needed for the new school year. Shop early, and buy multiples of basic school supplies, so that there are extras in case something gets lost – and something always gets lost!
The High School Student
Teenagers will most likely want to do their own shopping for back to school clothes, but have them make a list for you to review before sending them off to the mall. Talk with them about budgeting the money they have available to cover all the items needed. Send them off with a calculator so they can keep track of what they are spending and stick to their budget. You certainly don’t want them returning with a handful of designer items and no underwear because they ran out of money and didn’t keep track of what they were spending.
Talk with your teenager about study time before the first report card. Post study rules as a reminder and agree upon what will be in their best interest. Some students study best with music in the background, but never allow the TV or electronic device to be turned on during study hours. TV is designed to attract our attention – and it does.
Structure and routine are the keys to success for an AD/HD student, so talk with your teen about how to go about this. Be clear about the consequences that will result when the rules are disregarded, and don’t be afraid to get tough. Let her know that enforcement of the rules is nothing more than an act of love as a parent, and not particularly easy or pleasant to do.
When you see your daughter following through on her study commitments, compliment and reward her. Most importantly, show genuine concern and interest for your teen’s schoolwork and activities. Share in the excitement of their high school years by keeping the lines of communication open.