It is important for parents to prepare their children before they return to school after a long holiday . In addition to ensuring that children are physically and mentally ready, parents also need to pay attention to their school supplies so that the learning process runs smoothly.
The holiday season is over, and now it’s time for children to go back to school. After a long holiday, children and parents are finally faced with routines again. As the first day of school approaches, many parents feel anxious.
Tips for Preparing Children to Return to School to Stay Enthusiastic About Learning
Don’t worry. Here are some tips you can do to prepare your little one to welcome the first day of school with enthusiasm:
1. Ask your little one how they feel about going back to school
Most children may feel happy, excited, and enthusiastic about going back to school. However, not all children feel the same way. You need to ask how your little one feels and if there is a particular reason that makes him anxious or lazy to go to school .
If your little one feels anxious, there could be serious reasons behind it, such as worrying about not being able to keep up with lessons or being bullied at school .
Tell your child that feeling anxious is normal, and reassure him that you will always be there to support him in solving problems at school.
Enthusiasm and positive support from parents will be the provision that makes children confident in welcoming school days.
2. Prepare books and school equipment
Helping your little one choose school supplies, such as books, stationery, bags, and lunch equipment, can be a source of encouragement before he or she returns to school.
Preparing and accompanying your little one to start reading new textbooks can also help him get an idea of what new things he will learn during the next semester.
In addition, you can also find out what areas your little one is interested in by paying attention to their response to new lessons.
3. Prepare a uniform that fits and is comfortable to wear.
As your child gets older, the school uniform that previously fit may no longer fit. Therefore, some time before school starts again, ask your little one to try on his old uniform, then ask whether the uniform is still comfortable to wear or not.
If it doesn’t fit anymore, buy your little one a new uniform with a more fitting size. It’s best to choose a uniform made of sweat-absorbent material, such as cotton, to prevent your little one from skin irritation and prickly heat.
4. Get your little one used to waking up early
During the holidays, parents may allow their children to sleep late and wake up later. The habit of waking up early should be reintroduced at least one week before your little one returns to school.
This is important to do so that your little one is not overwhelmed when trying to wake up early on his first days back to school. You can discipline your little one by waking him up at the same time every day.
Waking up early will also give your child more time to prepare themselves and their school supplies, have breakfast, or even do some light exercise before going to school.
5. Reduce time spent watching and playing games
During the holidays, many parents allow their children to play gadgets or watch their favorite television shows all day long. In fact, this risks making children easily bored and tired when they return to school, because of the long hours of lessons. In addition, playing gadgets and watching too often can reduce the quality of children’s sleep, because they have more difficulty sleeping.
Reducing your little one’s time to play and watch can help prepare them so they don’t get bored easily at school. Some pediatricians recommend that parents limit their gadget playing time to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
6. Do a health check
Make sure your little one has received the immunizations he needs according to his age. In addition, you can also check your little one to the doctor before starting school, especially if he has chronic health problems, such as asthma.
7. Maintain your body’s endurance
Long school hours, a school environment that is not always clean, and unhygienic snacks can make children susceptible to disease. Parents can maintain their children’s immune systems by giving them healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants, and foods high in protein.
In addition, parents can also model the correct way to wash their hands to their children, and as much as possible keep them away from cigarette smoke , so that they don’t get sick easily.
8. Accompany your little one in choosing activities outside of school hours.
In addition to academic abilities, children’s talents in other areas, such as art, sports, languages, or organizations, also need to be nurtured from school age.
Generally, schools have various extracurricular activities that children can participate in after school hours or on weekends. Parents can accompany their children in choosing extracurricular activities that suit their interests. In addition, parents can also register their children for informal courses or classes outside of formal schools.
However, it is important to remember that the selection of extracurricular activities or courses should be based on the child’s own choice so that he or she does not feel forced to take part in them.
Not only at school, your little one’s enthusiasm for learning also needs to be fostered when he is at home. After school, you can help your little one complete his homework and crafts, listen to his daily stories at school, and ask what subjects interest him.
If your child has difficulty following lessons, seems anxious or very restless to go to school, or has problems with his/her school friends, you should consult with the guidance teacher. If necessary, your child can also be invited to attend counseling with a psychologist .