Make Back to School Time Easier with a Few Simple Strategies
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LETHBRIDGE – The start of a new school year can be a frantic time for both parents and kids, but there are a few strategies that can make the transition easier.
Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge and clinical psychologist, Dr. Dawn McBride, explained that it should be viewed as a four step process. She refers to them as the four R’s:
1.) Review
Parents should debrief with kids about their summer. It gives them conversation starters for the start of the year, while also signalling that a transition is coming.
2.) Routine
These tend to fade during the summer. Get your kids ready by laying out clothes the night before, or getting lunches prepared ahead of time.
3.) Re-use
Think back to last year’s routine and pick some of the most beneficial things to use again this year.
4.) Relationships
Ensure that kids have the right relationship building skills to make new friends, get along with teachers and even deal with conflict resolution with bullies.
Dr. McBride added that any instability at home is one of the biggest barriers in a child’s educational growth. “If there’s trouble at home, then that makes it hard for children and teenagers to stay focussed… Lots of research shows that children thrive when there’s predictable routines. So, if the family is going through a tough time, still keep to a dinner routine, and bedtime routine.”
Parents should also have good communication established with teachers early in the year, so both can understand how to keep students focussed and motivated. Dr. McBride says most teachers have taken to keeping either electronic or paper communication books to provide updates in. This can also be useful if children need extra help with school work.
Of course, preparing physically is another key element. Dr. McBride explained that a good breakfast, lots of sleep and regular physical activity can increase scores on intellectual tests significantly.
