It’s August already and it’s time to think—Back to School. With most schools across the country starting their school year before Labor Day, now is a great time to begin preparations.

Of course, each developmental/grade level may bring different challenges or expectations.  But there are a few general guidelines for ALL children that I’ve highlighted below:

• Schedule all doctor and dental visits before the start of the school year.  Be sure to mention to your child’s doctor any concerns about their emotional or psychological development.  Your physician is able to determine the difference between age-appropriate issues or those that require further assessment.  Be prepared before school begins to notify school staff of any problems so they may be addressed early in the school year, if possible.

• Start re-setting routines, such as mealtimes and bedtimes.  In the week or two before school starts, begin to talk to your child about the need for routines.  If you discontinued certain routines for summer, such as reading with your child before bed, then reestablish this. Stress the importance of a good breakfast, and start this every morning, as well.

• Turn off the TV.  Emphasize quiet activities in the morning, such as games, reading, or coloring rather than turning on the TV. This will help your child ease into the school year. Try to maintain this throughout the school year; watching too much TV can be distracting before school.

• Get rid of the TV in your child’s bedroom!  While I am on the topic of TV, I want to emphasize there is NO reason to have a TV in your child’s bedroom.  It has the potential to keep your child awake until late hours. Also, it’s impossible to monitor your child’s viewing. Even if you believe they will listen to you, they might turn it on before school (see above), and TV’s are not babysitters. Make TV viewing a family activity, or set guidelines for a certain amount of TV viewing during the school week.

• Make copies of important school documents.  Keep a folder(s) handy of important documents, such as health and emergency information. Health records are often acceptable for over a year and can be used for other activities, such as extracurriculars, sports teams, or clubs.  Also keep important school records in a folder, including reports from teachers, report cards, special commendations, etc.

• Homework areas.  Children should have a designated homework space in their house.  Older children should be allowed to complete homework or study in their rooms or other quiet areas of the home.  Younger children should be in an area of the house where they can be monitored by an adult, such as the kitchen, dining area, or family room.

• Designate an area of the house for backpacks.  All children should be responsible for emptying backpacks every day and placing important notices and notes in a designated area for parents to read/sign/return. The backpack should be put in that specific area at night and repacked so as to be ready for a quick departure in the morning.

• If your child is going to a new school.  Visit the new school with your child, once or several times depending on the age of the child. Designate meeting zones for after school pickups, visit the teacher, locate the classroom, etc. to ease anxiety.  Always call ahead to make sure the specific school personnel will be available for introductions.

• Mark important dates.  As soon as you receive the school year calendar (and all schools distribute these), mark your calendar for important events, such as conferences, back to school night, concerts, etc. This is especially important if you have children in different schools and will also aid in arranging for babysitters when needed for those who must stay home.

• Clothes.  Buy early and check your school to see if they require uniforms of a specific color or style. Schools often have rules about length of skirts or shorts, bare midriffs, halter-tops, flip-flops, tee shirts with inappropriate messages, etc. Specific guidelines will be available at the school; avoid conflict with your child by reading the guidelines before school starts.

My next blog entry will deal with the first week of school, and how to cope with the anxious child (and parents) as the new school year begins.

*These tips were extrapolated from NASP “Back to School Transitions:  Tips for Parents” at www.nasponline.org